memoiR  of 

RGV.  LUTH€R 

Rice 


JAMES  B.  TAYLOR 


/. 


^  SEP  14  1937   ^ 


LOGICAL  8t^ 


^^  ''^^  James^Barnett,  ISO- 
Taylor,  James 

^^'^^*  nf  Rev.  Luther  Rice 
Memoir  ot  Kev . 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 


''■/, 


^*' 


memoiR 

of 

RGV.  LUTHGR  RICG 


.  SEP  14  1937 


// 


One  of  the 

FIRST  AMERICAN  MISSIONARIES 
TO  THE  EAST 
/ 

By  JAMES  B.  TAYLOR 


SECOND  EDITION 


^m 


cc 


BROADMAN  PRESS 

NASHVILLE,  TENNESSEE 


Baltimore 

ARMSTRONG  AND  BERRY 

1841 

Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1840,  by 

JAMES  B.  TAYLOR 

in  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  Maryland 

Woods  &  Crane,  Printers. 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America 
1000—1-37—3 


PKEFACE 

In  consenting  to  prepare  the  following  memoir,  the 
author  was  influenced  not  only  by  a  request  of  the 
Trustees  of  the  Columbian  College,  but  by  the  solicita- 
tion and  advice  of  several  in  whose  judgment  he  had 
confidence.  The  hope  also  was  entertained  that  some 
good  might  be  done  to  the  cause  of  evangelical  religion. 

The  task,  delicate  and  difficult  as  it  was,  has  been 
performed  with  a  steady  purpose  to  do  justice  to  the 
memory  of  an  endeared  Christian  brother,  and  to  con- 
sult the  honor  of  that  Redeemer  whom  he  trusted  and 
served.  The  work  might  have  been  considerably  en- 
larged, but  it  was  deemed  most  expedient,  as  far  as 
possible,  to  condense  the  materials,  while  nothing  has 
been  knowingly  omitted  which  was  necessary  to  make 
out  a  complete  portraiture. 

By  many  it  has  been  regretted  that  a  biography  of  this 
distinguished  individual,  should  have  been  so  long  de- 
layed. It  will  be  proper  to  state  that  it  is  but  little 
more  tlian  tAvelve  months  since  the  resolution  of  the 
Board,  requesting  the  performance  of  this  duty,  was  re- 
ceived by  the  author — and  that  unavoidable  delay  in  the 
reception  of  necessary  documents  prevented  an  immedi- 
ate commencement  of  the  work.  Multiplied  ministerial 
duties  also,  connected  with  a  desire  to  bestow  as  much 
labor  as  practicable  upon  the  memoir,  have  contributed 
to  retard  its  publication. 

As  the  copy-right  will  be  secured  to  the  Trustees  of 
the  Columbian  College,  it  is  hoped  that  in  its  sale,  a  con- 
siderable sum  may  be  realized  by  that  institution,  to  aid 
its  praiseworthy  designs. 


Praying  that  the  God  of  all  grace  would  crown  with 
his  blessing  this  humble  effort  to  glorify  his  name,  the 
work  is  committed,  with  whatever  imperfections  it  may 
contain,  to  the  inspection  of  the  Christian  public. 

University  of  Virginia, 

March  19,  1840. 


PUBLISHER'S  NOTE 

The  suggestion  that  we  reprint  this  notable  volume 
came  from  Dr.  Luther  Rice  Christie,  Tallahassee,  Flor- 
ida. The  appropriateness  of  such  suggestion  will  be 
realized  by  all  readers  of  this  perfectly  wonderful  biog- 
raphy. A  definitive  LIFE  of  Luther  Rice  is  in  prepara- 
tion, but  Doctor  Taylor's  work  will  always  be  indispensa- 
ble as  source  material,  and  for  perhaps  the  best  appraisal 
of  the  character  of  Luther  Rice  that  can  be  written. 
We  have  sought  to  reproduce  the  original  work,  with 
only  a  minimum  of  interference  by  the  editorial  pencil, 
and,  because  of  our  appreciation  of  the  importance  of 
the  Luther  Rice  Centennial,  are  offering  this  reprinted 
edition  at  actual  cost.  Readers  will  enjoy  Doctor  Tay- 
lor's stately  English  and  the  liberal  quotations  from  the 
words  of  Luther  Rice.  We  are  grateful  to  Doctor  Chris- 
tie for  his  interest,  and  to  Doctor  Carver  for  his  sympa- 
thetic and  thoughtful  Introduction. 

John  L.  Hill,  Editor, 
The  Broadman  Press, 
Nashville,  Tennessee. 

1937 


CONTENTS 
Chapter  I 

PAGE 

Introduction — Mr.  Rice's  Birth — Reference  to  His 
Parents — Early  Historj^ — Amiable  Temper — 
Maternal  Influence — Natural  Decision  and  In- 
trepidity of  Character — Incident — Desire  of 
Information — Serious  Impressions — Ministerial 
Counsel — Deep   Distress    19 

Chapter  II 
Continued  Anxiety — Relief — Peculiar  Feeling  of 
Submission  to  the  Divine  Will — Happy  State 
of  Mind — The  Change  Manifest  to  Others — 
Books  Read  Previous  to  Conversion,  and  Their 
Influence — Desire  to  Be  Useful — Character  of 
the  Church  in  Northborough — Profession  of  Re- 
ligion— Deep  Piety — Anecdote — Special  Efforts 
to  Do  Good — Formation  of  Prayer  Meetings — 
Opposition  from  Various  Sources — His  Meek- 
ness        29 

Chapter  III 
Thoughts  Respecting  an  Entrance  into  the  Ministry 
— Determination  to  Pursue  a  Course  of  Study — 
Joins  Leicester  Academy — Enters  Williams  Col- 
lege— Increased  Desire  for  the  Salvation  of  Men 
— Seeks  the  Reformation  of  the  Church  of 
Northborough — Letter  to  Unconverted  Brother 
— Self-Examination — Sense  of  Personal  Un- 
worthiness — Christian  Character  at  College — 
Filial  Affection  45 


Chapter  IV 
Increased  Desire  for  the  Promotion  of  the  Gospel — 
Zeal  in  the  Mission  Cause — Views  on  French 
Infidelity — Letters  on  Experimental  and  Practi- 
cal Religion — Licensed  to  Preach — Enters  And- 
over  Theological  Seminary — Severe  Application 
to  Study — Studies  French  and  Syriac — Educa- 
tion Completed   61 

Chapter  V 
Origin  of  Modern  Missions  in  England  and  America 
—Early  Feelings  of  Mr.  Rice  on  This  Subject 
— Society  of  Inquiry  on  the  Subject  of  Missions 
Formed  at  Williams  College — Terms  of  Admis- 
sion— Fields  of  Labour  Contemplated — Society 
Originated  at  Andover  Seminary — Mr.  Judson's 
Feelings  and  Determinations  in  Reference  to 
Missions — Resolutions  of  Several  to  Go  to  Some 
Foreign  Field — Memorial  to  General  Associa- 
tion— American  Board  of  Commissioners  for 
Foreign  Missions  Formed — Impediments  to  Mr. 
Rice's  Devotion  to  Missionary  Labour — These 
Difficulties  Removed — Ordination — Sails  for 
India — Arrival  at  Calcutta — Sickness — Other 
Trials  72 

Chapter  VI 
Change  of  Sentiment — Previous  Controversy  on  the 
Subject  of  Baptism — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson 
Baptized — Letter  on  this  Subject — Letter  to 
Board  of  Commissioners — Baptism — Opposition 
— Defense  of  Motives  and  Conduct — Allusion  to 
this  Subject  by  Mr.  Judson — Separation  from 
the  Board  of  Commissioners — Letter  to  Brother     96 


Chapter  VII 
Letters  Written  to  Baptists  of  America — Opposition 
of  English  Authorities — Ordered  to  Leave  India 
— Perplexing  Trials — Sails  for  Isle  of  France — 
Continued  Sickness — Determination  to  Return 
to  America — Reasons — Separation  from  His 
Associates^Departure  for  United  States — Ar- 
rival at  St.  Salvador — Left  for  New  York — 
Death  of  a  Sailor — Funeral — Results — Arrival 
in  New  York — ^Visit  to  Boston — Conference 
with  Board  of  Commissioners — Views  of  Their 
Conduct — Consultation  with  Baptists  in  and 
near  Boston — Denominational  Action  Recom- 
mended     113 

Chapter  VIII 
Necessity  of  Consulting  the  Churches — Mr.  Rice 
Consents  to  Engage  in  the  Agency — Leaves  Bos- 
ton— Visits  New  York  and  Philadelphia — Pro- 
ceeds to  the  South — Success — Project  of  a  Con- 
vention— Letters  from  Prominent  Individuals — 
Missionary  Meeting  in  Philadelphia — Baptist 
General  Convention  Organized — Mr.  Rice 
Urged  to  Remain  in  This  Country — Appointed 
General  Agent — Interview  with  Professor  S. — 
Zeal  and  Success  in  Agency — ^Letters — Multi- 
plied Privations  and  Labours — Letters — First 
Triennial  Meeting  of  Convention — Latter  Day 
Luminary  Commenced — Letter   130 

Chapter  IX 
Necessity  of  Ministerial  Education  Felt  by  Mr.  Rice 
— History     of     Denomination     Referred     to — 


Efforts  to  Rouse  the  Churches  to  Action — Semi- 
nary Opened  in  Philadelphia — Letter — Pur- 
chase of  Lot  in  Washington — College  Buildings 
Commenced — Resolutions  of  Convention  in  1820 
— Charter  Obtained — College  Opened — ^Flat- 
tering Prospects — Mr.  Rice  Appointed  Agent 
and  Treasurer — Columbian  Star  Commenced  ...  165 

Chapter  X 

Increasing  Interest  of  Mr.  Rice  in  the  Prosperity  of 
the  College — Personal  Efforts  on  Its  Behalf — 
Contract  for  Additional  Buildings — Heavy 
Debt  Created — Public  Confidence  Diminished — 
Sickness  of  Mr.  Rice — Separation  of  College 
from  Convention — Unpleasant  Differences  of 
Opinion — Resignation  of  Faculty — Various 
Causes  of  Embarrassment — The  Motives  and 
Conduct  of  Mr.  Rice  in  These  Difficulties — His 
Undiminished  Zeal  to  Serve  the  Institution — 
Letter  to  a  Friend— Sanguine  Hope  of  Ulti- 
mate Success 177 

Chapter  XI 

Reference  to  Mr.  Rice's  Trials — Sympathy  Needed — 
His  Friends  Numerous — the  Prejudices  of  Many 
Softened — Amicable  Relations  with  Others  Re- 
stored— Interesting  Letter  to  Mr.  Judson — Con- 
cern for  Revival  of  Religion  in  the  District  of 
Columbia — Condition  of  Baptist  Churches  in 
That  Region — Letters — Desire  to  Settle  in 
Washington — This  Wish  not  Realized — Reflec- 
tions— Mr.  Rice's  Health  Becomes  Seriously  Im- 
paired— Causes — Reference  to  Severe  Illness  ..  192 


Chapter  XII 
Manifest  Improvement  in  Spirituality  of  Mind — 
Habit  of  Jesting  Amended — Interesting  Letters 
— Quotation  from  Diary — Devotion  to  God  In- 
creases— Illness — Death — Interesting  Particu- 
lars of  His  Last  Hours,  in  a  Letter  from  Rev. 
James  E.  Welch — Sensations  Produced  by  His 
Death  in  the  United  States — Funeral  Dis- 
courses— Testimonials  of  Esteem — Monument 
Furnished  by  South  Carolina  Convention — In- 
scription     206 

Chapter  XIII 
Reference  to  Mr.  Rice's  Personal  Appearance — 
Dignity  of  Manner — Self-Possession — Anecdote 
— Style  of  His  Sermons — Their  Attractiveness 
— Doctrinal  Character — Importance  of  Doc- 
trinal Discourse — Method  of  Reading  the  Bible, 
and  Selecting  Texts — Advantages  of  This  Sys- 
tem— Highly  Gifted  in  Prayer — Qualifications 
for  Pastoral  Labour 239 

Chapter  XIV 
Reference  to  Mr.  Rice's  Extensive  Influence  and 
Usefulness — Results  of  His  Change  of  Senti- 
ment— Work  on  Baptism  Written — Usefulness 
in  the  Mission  Cause — Letter  from  Mr.  Wade 
— Success  in  Promoting  Ministerial  Improve- 
ment— Failure  to  Return  to  India  Vindicated 
— Solemn  Pledge  on  This  Subject — Interesting 
Letter  from  Mr.  Kincaid — Letter  from  Mr. 
Judson — Home  Mission  Projected — Success  in 
Exciting    the    Churches    to    the    Exercise    of 


Benevolence — Union  of  the  Denomination  Pro- 
moted— Origin  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Lynn, 

Mass 248 

Chapter  XV 
Reflections — Reference  to  Mr.  Rice 's  Natural  Aeute- 
ness  of  Mind — Power  of  Argumentation — 
Confidence  in  His  Own  Powers — Decision — 
Ability  to  Meet  Great  Emergencies — Defects — 
Dependence  on  Supernatural  Influence — Hu- 
mility —  Self-Denial  —  Disinterestedness — 
Spirit  of  Forgiveness — Letter — Anecdotes — 
Concern  for  the  Divine  Honour — Testimony  of 
Mr.  Judson  268 

Chapter  XVI 
Religious  Sentiments  of  Mr.  Rice — His  Views  of  the 
Importance  of  Truth — Depravity  of  Human 
Nature — Influence  of  the  Spirit — Divine  Sover- 
eignty— Practical  Tendency  of  These  Doctrines 
— Human  Responsibility — Ministerial  Faith- 
fulness— Close  Communion — Importance  of 
Well-Written   Biographies    284 


INTRODUCTION 

"The  coining  of  Luther  Rice  was  the  most  important 
event  in  Baptist  history  in  the  nineteenth  century." 
This  judgment  expressed  by  a  distinguished  historian 
almost  half  a  century  ago  will  some  day  be  accepted  by 
our  denomination  with  gratitude. 

Rice  was  captured  by  the  Holy  Spirit  for  the  Bap- 
tists from  the  Congregationalists  by  way  of  the  Greek 
New  Testament  and  the  help  of  "William  Carey  and  his 
English  Baptist  associates  in  India.  Adoniram  and 
Ann  Hasseltine  Judson,  who  had  preceded  him  by  the 
same  road  to  Baptist  conviction,  had  also  their  share  in 
Rice's  obedience.  Thus  three  American  Baptists  were 
in  the  Orient  as  missionaries  with  no  source  of  support 
and  no  organized  group  to  whom  they  could  turn. 

Rice,  whose  fiancee  had  failed  to  share  his  call,  re- 
turned to  America  to  organize  Baptist  support  for  the 
Judsons  and  himself  and  then  to  rejoin  them  in  Burma. 
He  arrived  in  September  in  1813.  The  next  May  he  saw 
the  Baptists  in  the  United  States  for  the  first  time 
united  in  a  common  task  and  a  common  fellowship.  The 
Baptist  denomination  as  an  organic  unity  and  an  organ- 
ized body  named  itself  "The  General  Convention  of  the 
Baptist  Denomination  in  the  United  States  for  Foreign 
Missions. ' ' 

But  Rice 's  work  was  not  done.  He  undertook  in  three 
years  more  to  extend  interest,  solidify  support,  make 
permanent  the  Baptist  fellowship  in  high  and  holy  ser- 
vice. By  the  time  the  Convention  had  its  next  meeting 
in  1817  Rice  had  gained  a  vision  of  the  comprehensive 


task  of  a  growing  people,  a  clear  outline  of  the  varied 
lines  of  service  and  support  required,  and  a  profound 
conviction  that  God  was  calling  American  Baptists  to  a 
great  undertaking  for  all  the  world.  No  one  else  had 
the  combination  of  vision,  conviction,  organizing  genius 
and  selfless  sacrificial  surrender  required  for  the  leader- 
ship of  a  new  day.  The  leaders  urged  that  he  must  hold 
the  responsibility.  Reluctantly  but  heroically  he  under- 
took to  go  on  until  other  leadership  could  release  him 
for  Burma.  It  was  not  to  be.  The  fruit  of  denomina- 
tional growth  and  strength  required  his  all.  For  twenty- 
three  years  he  labored,  suffered,  endured  in  ways  and 
in  measure  matching  Paul's  own  story;  then  died  pre- 
maturely, his  strong  frame  exhausted  and  worn,  but  with 
no  word  of  complaint,  no  bitterness  of  soul  for  unjust 
opposition  and  afflictions  which  would  have  been  unneces- 
sary had  there  been  more  men  of  his  spirit.  He  had 
inaugurated  every  form  of  effort  which  our  denomina- 
tion has  today  except  orphanages  and  hospitals. 

After  a  hundred  years  we  are  turning  to  him  in  some 
worthy  recognition  of  his  worth  and  of  our  debt  to  him. 
The  Luther  Rice  Centennial  Commission,  under  the 
patient  and  persevering  leadership  of  Dr.  Rufus  W. 
Weaver,  has  drawn  the  eyes  of  the  Baptist  world  to 
his  modest  grave  in  South  Carolina.  A  great  company 
gathered  on  the  anniversary  of  Rice's  death,  September 
25,  1936,  at  Columbia,  and  at  the  grave  in  the  country 
churchyard  in  Edgefield  county  to  honor  his  memory,  to 
thank  God  for  his  matchless  ministry  and  to  dedicate 
our  Denomination  to  a  new  era  of  devotion  to  the  cause 
for  which  this  heroic  soul  served,  suffered  and  died. 

Within  four  years  of  his  death  Dr.  James  B.  Taylor 
of  Virginia,  later  first  Secretary  of  the  Foreign  Mission 
Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention,  wrote  the 


Memoirs  of  this  pioneer  organizer  of  American  Bap- 
tists. It  was  later  reprinted.  Then  Memoir  and  its 
subject  were  alike  forgotten  by  most  of  the  Baptists  who 
owed  their  very  Baptist  being  to  him. 

Some  day  a  new  Life  of  him  will  be  written  and  pub- 
lished. It  is  already  in  the  making.  But  even  when 
that  shall  come,  the  compelling  story  which  Doctor  Tay- 
lor told,  and  permitted  Rice  to  tell  out  of  his  diaries  and 
letters,  will  be  a  fire  at  which  to  kindle  afresh  the  flames 
of  holy  devotion  and  grateful  understanding. 

It  is  with  great  satisfaction  that  I  learn  that  our  Sun- 
day School  Board  is  about  to  publish  a  new  edition  of 
this  volume  which  has  stirred  my  soul.  I  hope  thousands 
of  copies  will  be  bought  and  that  tens  of  thousands  of 
American  Baptists  and  Baptists  of  all  lands  will  read  it. 

If  they  do  there  will  be  a  new  awakening  of  Baptists 
everywhere  to  the  calling  of  Jesus  Christ  to  give  our- 
selves to  the  joy,  the  sacrifice  and  the  success  of  his 
gospel  and  his  Kingdom. 

W.  O.  Carver. 


CHAPTER  I 

Introduction — Mr.  Rice's  Birth — Reference  to  His  Par- 
ents— Early  History — Amiable  Temper — Maternal 
Influence — Natural  Decision  and  Intrepidity  of 
Character — Incident — Desire  of  Information — 
Serious  Impressions — Ministerial  Counsel — Deep 
Distress. 

To  accomplish  his  infinitely  wise  designs,  God  often 
operates  in  a  manner,  which,  to  man's  fallible  judgment, 
is  entirely  incomprehensible.  He  raises  up  and  employs 
instruments  which  men  would  never  select,  and  often 
makes  the  failure  of  human  schemes  the  very  method  of 
fulfilling  his  own  purposes.  These  remarks  are  happily 
illustrated  in  those  histories  which  are  furnished  by  the 
sacred  writers.  Who  can  review  the  process  by  which 
the  family  of  Jacob  was  saved  from  famine  and  death, 
without  perceiving  the  over-ruling  agency  of  the  Lord, 
making  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  him,  and  restraining 
the  remainder!  The  whole  history  of  Jacob's  descen- 
dants up  to  the  time  of  their  settlement  in  the  land  of 
Canaan,  is  an  impressive  comment  on  the  sovereignty  of 
Jehovah,  teaching  us  his  manifold  wisdom  and  goodness. 

In  this  respect,  the  biography  of  those  pious  men  whose 
lives  have  been  marked  with  singular  incidents  is  replete 
with  instruction.  As  we  trace  their  footsteps  through 
childhood,  youth,  and  riper  age,  and  note  in  the  light 
of  their  whole  history  the  several  circumstances  of 
change  in  their  character  or  condition,  the  hand  of  the 
Lord  becomes  manifest,  and  we  are  prepared  to  admire 

[19] 


20  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

the  riches  of  his  love  in  Christ  Jesus.  Such,  there  is 
reason  to  believe,  will  be  the  effect  in  contemplating  the 
biography  of  him,  whom  God  delighted  to  honor  as  one 
of  the  pioneers  in  the  American  missionary  enterprise. 
In  comparing  the  circumstances  which  transpired  in  his 
early  life,  with  his  subsequent  labor  and  influence  as 
a  minister  of  Christ,  we  learn  that  apparently  trivial  oc- 
currences, were  connected  with  the  most  important  re- 
sults. 

Luther  Rice  was  born  in  the  town  of  Northborough, 
Worcester  County,  Massachusetts,  March  25th,  1783.  His 
father,  Captain  Amos  Rice,  being  early  engaged  in  the 
struggles  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  essentially  aided  in 
securing  the  independence  of  these  United  States.  He 
was  a  man  of  naturally  strong  intellect,  with  but  limited 
education.  Having  a  temper  quick  and  ardent,  and  be- 
ing exposed  to  the  temptations  of  the  camp,  he  seems  to 
have  contracted  habits  which  proved  unfavorable  to  his 
future  usefulness,  and  to  the  peace  of  his  family. 

The  mother  of  Luther  was,  in  many  respects,  an  extra- 
ordinary woman.  She  possessed  a  vigorous  and  clear 
mind,  which,  with  the  advantages  of  the  common  public 
schools,  and  her  subsequent  application,  she  had  to  a 
considerable  extent  improved.  They  were  both  connected 
with  the  Congregational  church,  though  there  was  rea- 
son to  doubt  whether  they  had  indeed  passed  from  death 
unto  life.  This  was  especially  the  fact  in  relation  to 
his  father;  some  pleasing  evidences  of  a  definite  change 
in  the  spiritual  experience  and  condition  of  his  mother 
were  afterwards  evinced. 

This  statement  of  the  religious  character  of  his  par- 
ents will  not  be  surprising,  when  it  is  known  that  many 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  21 

of  the  congregational  clmrclies  of  that  day  were  com- 
posed of  merely  nominal  professors,  who  were  as  cor- 
rupt in  sentiment  as  they  were  loose  in  their  lives.  It 
was  almost  essential  to  respectability  in  society  to  sub- 
scribe to  a  creed,  and  to  adhere  to  some  forms  of  religion. 
Thus  an  unholy  alliance  between  the  church  and  world 
was  effected,  which  had  well-nigh  resulted  in  the  expul- 
sion of  pure  Christianity  from  the  land.  This  would 
have  been  doubtless  the  consequence,  if  the  evil  had  been 
general.  There  were,  however,  many  exceptions,  and  the 
Unitarian  controversy,  at  length,  produced  a  separation 
between  nominal  professors  and  those  who  contend  "for 
the  faith  once  delivered  to  the  saints." 

The  early  years  of  Luther 's  life  were  not  distinguished 
by  the  occurrence  of  any  remarkable  incidents.  He  was, 
when  quite  a  child,  quick  in  his  perceptions,  docile  in 
his  spirit,  and  amiable  in  his  manners.  As  he  advanced 
in  years,  and  attended  the  common  schools  of  that  day, 
he  gave  promise  of  future  greatness,  by  the  aptitude  with 
which  he  received  instruction,  and  by  his  diligence  in 
study.  He  was  greatly  beloved  by  all  his  class-mates, 
as  well  as  his  teachers,  and  it  is  not  known  that  he  ever 
received  correction  at  school,  or  was  ever  involved  in  a 
personal  quarrel  with  any  of  his  fellow  pupils. 

Considerable  pains  were  taken  by  his  mother  to  im- 
part to  him  religious  knowledge.  From  earliest  child- 
hood, he  was  familiar  with  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and 
was  taught  the  Lord 's  Prayer,  which  he  usually  repeated 
before  retiring  to  rest  at  night.  In  addition  to  this,  his 
mother  required  him  regularly  to  memorize  portions  of 
the  Westminster  Catechism.  The  influence  also  of  a  pious 
aunt  was  employed  to  aid  in  bringing  him  up  in  the 


22  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  She  was  in  the 
habit  of  conversing  with  him  in  a  familiar  manner  on 
the  subject  of  religion,  and  her  instructions  were  ef- 
fectual in  producing  serious  impressions,  when  not  more 
than  four  years  of  age.  At  that  early  period  he  expe- 
rienced alarming  fears  of  dying,  which  however,  were 
not  of  very  permanent  duration.  Throughout  most  of 
his  juvenile  years,  religious  instruction  was  continued, 
and  it  will  not  be  presuming  too  much  to  intimate,  that 
these  early  advantages  were  among  the  most  efficient 
instrumentalities,  which  were  afterwards  owned,  of  God 
in  his  conversion.  This  seems  to  have  been  his  own  view 
of  the  subject.  He  was  often  heard  to  express  a  grateful 
sense  of  the  divine  goodness  in  allowing  him  to  enjoy 
these  early  advantages. 

Of  the  happy  effect  of  maternal  influence  on  character, 
we  have  here  another  evidence,  in  addition  to  the  many 
thousands  already  before  the  world.  Such  influence  is 
beyond  conception,  valuable  and  enduring.  It  was 
deemed  worthy  of  allusion,  by  an  apostle,  in  writing 
to  (Timothy)  his  own  son  in  the  gospel.  Every  mother 
may  be  encouraged  to  consider  the  earliest  years  of  her 
offspring  as  precious,  and  to  improve  them  by  pre- 
occupying the  mind  with  scriptural  knowledge,  and  giv- 
ing the  pliant  disposition  such  a  form  as  may  be  favor- 
able to  future  usefulness. 

Reference  has  been  made  to  the  natural  sweetness  of 
his  temper  in  childhood.  He  was  not,  however,  destitute 
of  vigor  in  his  plans  and  purposes.  On  the  contrary, 
there  was  a  characteristic  decision  and  promptitude 
throughout  the  years  of  boyhood,  which  was  quite  re- 
markable.    A  circumstance  will  here  be  related,  which, 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  23 

while  it  can  by  no  means  be  justified,  will  serve  to 
exemplify  the  intrepidity,  for  which  through  life  he  was 
so  much  distinguished.  At  the  age  of  sixteen,  in  com- 
pany with  another  youth,  without  consulting  his  par- 
ents or  friends,  he  entered  into  a  contract  to  visit  the 
state  of  Georgia,  to  assist  in  obtaining  timber  for  ship- 
building. He  was  absent  on  this  expedition  for  six 
or  seven  months.  Painful  apprehensions  were  indulged 
that  he  would  be  thrown  into  vicious  society,  and  acquire 
habits  which  might  involve  him  in  ruin.  On  his  return, 
however,  the  following  spring,  to  the  great  joy  of  his 
family,  no  perceptible  change  in  his  morals  had  been 
effected. 

He  now  began  to  mingle  more  generally  with  society. 
Having  a  taste  for  music,  and  being  gifted  with  fine 
colloquial  powers,  he  soon  obtained  the  favorable  no- 
tice of  all  classes.  Although  comparatively  young,  he 
united  with  the  sprightliness  and  sociability  of  his  dis- 
position, a  singular  dignity  of  manners.  Even  then,  a 
desire  for  solid  information  rendered  him  an  inquisitive 
and  agreeable  companion  to  those,  who  for  age  and  edu- 
cation were  greatly  his  superiors.  He  was  always  most 
happy  in  the  society  of  intelligent  men. 

It  has  been  stated  that  when  quite  a  child  he  was  the 
subject  of  serious  impressions.  This  seriousness  was  at 
various  times  renewed,  but  usually  passed  away,  leaving 
no  permanent  influence  until  he  had  reached  his  eight- 
eenth year.  About  this  period,  He  who  commanded  the 
light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  shined  into  his  heart,  lead- 
ing him  to  a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with  his  own 
character  as  a  transgressor  of  the  divine  law.  No  par- 
ticular circumstance  appears  to  have  been  the  occasion 


24  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

of  this  new  discovery.  Although  by  early  training,  his 
mind  had  been  familiar  with  the  whole  theory  of  God's 
method  of  salvation ;  yet  when  he  applied  himself  to  the 
task  of  seeking  deliverance  from  guilt  and  condemna- 
tion, he  was  disposed  to  hope  for  it  in  some  other  way. 
Embarrassment  increased  as  he  investigated  the  subject. 
His  conceptions  of  the  holy  character  of  God,  and  the 
claims  of  a  law  he  had  violated,  awakened  the  most  alarm- 
ing apprehensions,  and  led  him  to  cry  earnestly  for 
mercy.  But  while  thus  imploring  pardon,  he  entertained 
the  idea  that  by  some  meritorious  acts  of  his  own,  the 
blessing  sought  would  be  obtained. 

The  perplexities  of  his  mind  were  the  more  increased 
by  instructions  received  from  the  minister  under  whose 
influence  he  had  placed  himself.  This  individual  ad- 
vised to  a  compliance  with  the  external  forms  of  religion, 
especially  to  a  connection  with  the  church ;  thus  becom- 
ing a  blind  leader  of  the  blind.  There  was  reason  to 
apprehend  that  he  himself  had  never  known  the  way  of 
life.  His  lady  also  sought  to  give  a  wrong  influence  to 
the  mind  of  the  young  inquirer,  by  urging  him  to  mingle 
with  gay  society,  and  to  avoid  those  gloomy  views  of  his 
character  and  condition. 

The  counsel  thus  received  was  far  from  bringing  re- 
lief. In  vain  was  the  attempt  made  to  dissipate  the 
melancholy  which  possessed  his  bosom.  A  fearful  look- 
ing for  of  judgment  and  fiery  indignation  continued  to 
disturb  him;  nor  did  he  find  the  effort  successful  to 
satisfy  his  guilty  conscience,  by  amendment  of  life,  and 
an  endeavor  to  make  personal  restitution  to  the  law  he 
had  violated. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  25 

As  in  all  similar  cases,  the  exertion  to  render  himself 
worthy  in  the  sight  of  God,  but  the  more  increased  his 
knowledge  of  personal  and  utter  inability.  His  sense 
of  the  transcendant  excellence  of  the  law  of  God,  and 
the  desperate  wickedness  of  his  own  heart  became  more 
fixed,  and  habitual,  producing  anguish  and  dread  almost 
intolerable.  Here  may  be  appropriately  introduced  a 
reference  to  the  state  of  his  mind  at  this  time,  written 
by  himself  many  years  after,  in  a  personal  letter  to  a 
beloved  friend. 

' '  When  I  became  convinced  that  I  had  not  experienced 
a  change  of  heart,  convinced  too,  that  such  a  change 
was  essential  to  happiness — but  perceived  at  the  same 
time,  that  mine  was  in  reality  the  carnal  mind  which 
is  enmity  with  God;  feeling  also,  that  it  must  depend 
absolutely  upon  the  will  of  God,  whether  my  heart  should 
ever  be  changed  or  not ;  and  that  no  affection,  exercise, 
or  effort  could  possibly  proceed  from  such  a  heart  that 
should  be  any  other  than  morally  wrong,  and  justly  of- 
fensive in  the  sight  of  the  Lord — and  saw,  too,  clearly 
that  /  ought  to  love  God,  and  possess  absolute  submis- 
sion to  his  holy  will ;  I  was  reduced  unavoidably  to  keen 
anguish  and  very  great  distress,  indeed,  it  sometimes 
swelled  to  a  dreadful  agony,  and  was  well-nigh  over- 
whelming ! 

"It  was  mostly  by  myself,  and  day  after  day  for  weeks 
and  months,  spent  much  of  my  time,  in  literally  weep- 
ing and  wailing!  Then  it  was,  that  it  did  seem  to  me 
truly  astonishing,  that  unconverted  sinners  were  not  all 
of  them  in  deep  and  constant  anxiety!  Then  it  was, 
that  I  was  astonished  that  Christians  who  had  been  de- 
livered from  the  fearful  condition  I  saw  myself  to  be 


26  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

in, — if  indeed  there  were  any  such, — were  not  filled  with 
exceeding  joy !  Then,  too,  it  was  that  it  did  seem  to  me, 
I  could  make  the  most  hard-hearted  sinner  to  tremble, 
by  a  representation  of  the  dreadfulness  of  the  wrath  of 
God,  such  an  overwhelming  sense  of  it  often  pressed 
terribly  upon  me!  And,  then,  too,  it  did  also  seem  to 
me,  that  if  I  ever  should  find  mercy  and  deliverance  from 
the  wrath  to  come,  I  would  endeavor  to  rescue  others 
from  the  same  most  wretched  condition !  Although  these 
things  have  somewhat  faded  from  my  mind,  as  to  the 
intenseness  of  their  impressions,  I  may  truly  say,  that 
my  soul  hath  them  still  in  remembrance!" 

He  now  ventured  to  reveal  the  state  of  his  mind  to  a 
pious  brother,  residing  in  the  same  town.  The  nature 
of  his  case  seemed  to  be  understood,  and  deep  sympathy 
was  manifested,  while  every  means  was  employed  to 
lead  him  into  the  right  way.  Besides  giving  the  best 
advice,  his  brother  placed  in  his  hands  several  excellent 
works,  the  perusal  of  which  was  productive  of  much  good. 
Still  for  several  months  he  remained  in  agony  of  spirit, 
not  submitting  himself  to  the  righteousness  of  Christ. 
His  physical  powers  began  to  yield  to  the  intenseness 
of  mental  feelings,  so  that  his  friends  seriously  feared 
he  was  about  to  sink  into  a  decline.  To  the  correspondent 
above  alluded  to,  he  says, 

"I  had  been  in  the  habit,  being  mostly  by  myself,  of 
spending  much  of  my  time,  as  before  stated,  literally 
in  weeping  and  wailing.  The  distress  in  my  soul  was  so 
deep,  constant,  and  severe,  that  it  impaired  my  health. 
My  friends  thought  that  my  ill  health  affected  my  mind ; 
but  it  was  directly  the  reverse,  my  distress  of  mind  in- 
jured my  health.    I  rested  not  by  night  nor  by  day.    I 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  27 

was  in  the  habit  of  waking  in  the  night  in  extreme 
agony  of  feeling.  It  was  true  of  me,  at  that  period,  with 
a  little  addition,  as  expressed  in  Young's  Night 
Thoughts : 

'From  short  (as  usual)  and  disturbed  repose, 
I  wake;  but  wake  to  woe!' 

"Connected  with  the  period  of  my  deep  anxiety  and 
distress,  previously  to  the  receiving  of  comfort  and  hope, 
there  were  two  occurrences  of  so  distinct,  peculiar,  and 
marked  a  character,  as  to  be  proper  here  to  be  particu- 
larly noticed.  On  one  occasion,  I  had  been  reading 
'Stoddard's  safety  of  appearing  in  the  righteousness  of 
Christ. '  It  was  a  description  of  the  vile,  polluted,  guilty 
condition  of  a  sinner,  connected  with  the  fact,  that  for 
such,  the  Saviour  shed  his  precious  blood!  For  a  mo- 
ment, a  flood  of  light  burst  upon  my  astonished  soul ! 
It  was  entirely  clear  and  evident,  that  I,  my  very  self, 
personally,  was  that  odious,  guilty,  justly  condemned 
criminal  described ;  and  that  for  me,  in  very  deed,  the 
infinitely  glorious  and  infinitely  lovely  Son  of  God  ac- 
tually suffered  and  died!  0,  my  feelings  were  inde- 
scribable !  my  self-loathing,  my  love  of  Jesus,  were  alike 
inexpressible !  Tears  flowed  freely !  It  was  truly  some- 
thing like  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory!  And  I 
felt  as  if  I  should  have  nothing  more  to  do  on  earth,  but 
to  rejoice,  adore,  and  praise  God  and  the  Redeemer !  But 
in  a  few  minutes  all  was  past,  and  I  was  in  the  same 
guilt,  condemnation,  and  wretchedness,  as  before;  and 
so  remained,  I  am  not  now  able  to  recollect  for  how  long 
a  period  afterwards. 


28  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"On  another  occasion,  I  had  been  praying  to  God  to 
show  me  the  worst  of  my  case!  Rising  from  my  knees, 
and  laying  down  upon  my  bed  for  sleep,  it  seemed  for 
the  moment  as  if  I  was  actually  descending  into  hell ! 
my  horror  and  agony,  it  is  not  possible  for  language  to 
express!  It  was  but  for  a  moment,  nor  could  I  have 
sustained  it  longer !  Never  since  have  I  dared  to  pray 
that  God  would  show  me  the  worst  of  my  case,  or  that 
he  would  show  •dxiy  sinner  the  worst  of  his  ease,  I  am 
sure  no  one  could  sustain  it  a  moment!  Never  before 
nor  since,  have  I  felt  as  at  the  moment,  and  for  pretty 
much  all  the  day!  and  I  hope,  I  shall  never  feel  it 
again !  The  dreadfulness  of  the  impression  was  such, 
as  produced  a  noticeable  effect  in  my  appearance  during 
the  next  day!  I  was  awfully  afraid  I  should  lose  my 
reason.  A  case,  too,  of  a  deranged  man,  that  I  had  heard 
of,  I  thought  I  could  pretty  distinctly  understand.  He 
said  he  had  felt  the  wrath  of  God  upon  his  little  finger! 
Such  was  the  dreadfulness  of  the  wrath  of  God,  that  but 
the  touch  of  it  upon  that  little  extremity  of  his  person, 
had,  as  it  were,  blasted  his  whole  being  in  utter  ruin ! 
Such  was  the  import  of  his  representation.  Such  was 
the  idea,  I  could  then  distinctly,  awfully  apprehend. 
There  was  an  awfulness  of  horror  in  it,  which  cannot 
possibly  be  described !  But  in  a  few  days  it  was  gone ; 
except  as  matter  of  recollection !  But  I  did  think,  if 
ever  I  should  indeed  find  deliverance  and  comfort,  7 
would  warn  the  wicked  of  their  danger;  and  I  did  feel 
as  if  I  could  verily  make  the  most  hard-hearted  sinner 
tremble !  I  did  think  I  would  live  differently  from  any 
other  I  have  ever  known,  and  better!    But  alas!  alas!" 


CHAPTER  II 

Continued  Anxiety — Relief — Peculiar  Feeling  of  Sub- 
mission to  the  Divine  Will — Happy  State  of  Mind 
— The  Change  Manifest  to  Others — Books  Read 
Previous  to  Conversion,  and  Their  Influence — 
Desire  to  Be  Useful — Character  of  the  Church  in 
Northhorough — Profession  of  Religion — Deep  Piety 
— Anecdote — Special  Efforts  to  Do  Good — Forma- 
tion of  Prayer  Meetings — Opposition  from  Various 
Sources — His  Meekness. 

It  has  been  alreadj^  intimated,  that  there  was  some- 
thing remarkable  in  the  protracted  character  of  his 
distress  of  mind,  when  taken  in  connection  with  his  early 
knowledge  of  the  theory  of  religion.  As  he  had  been 
instructed  in  the  things  of  the  kingdom,  and  might  be 
supposed  to  have  known  the  good  and  the  right  way, 
why  did  he  not  unhesitatingly  walk  in  it?  The  reason 
is  obvious.  It  was  not  a  way  which  his  carnal  heart 
approved.  There  was  something  too  simple  and  morti- 
fying to  his  pride  to  be  saved  as  an  utterly  helpless, 
and  justly  condemned  sinner,  by  faith  in  the  atonement 
of  Jesus  Christ.  Hence  the  long  continued  struggle. 
There  was  a  reluctance  to  approve  of  the  righteous  retri- 
bution which  his  sins  might  have  realized,  and  to  submit 
to  God  as  an  infinitely  holy,  just,  and  good  sovereign. 

How  inefficient  is  the  mere  knowledge  of  what  is  right. 
An  early  religious  training  and  scriptural  ideas  of  truth 
are  vastly  important,  but  unless  the  heart  be  rightly 
affected,  no  claim  to  the  character  of  a  child  of  God 

[29] 


30  MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

can  be  entertained.  Well  might  the  divine  teacher,  say, 
except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom 
of  God.  ''The  natural  man  discerneth  not  the  things 
of  the  spirit  of  God,  neither  can  he  know  them,  because 
they  are  spiritually  discerned."  "The  carnal  mind  is 
enmity  against  God,  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God, 
neither  indeed,  can  be." 

But  to  return  to  the  narrative.  The  period  of  submis- 
sion came,  and  that  was  the  period  of  relief.  The  enmity 
of  his  heart  was  slain,  and  as  a  prostrate,  humbled  rebel, 
he  made  the  all-sufficient  sacrifice  of  Jesus  Christ,  the 
foundation  of  his  hope,  and  rejoiced  in  God  his  Saviour 
with  exceeding  joy — in  God,  the  just  and  holy  God,  he 
could  now  rejoice,  and  found  his  overflowing  heart  run- 
ning out  in  warm  emotions  of  love.  He  was  willing  to 
be  the  Lord's  for  time  and  for  eternity.  Perhaps  the 
real  state  of  his  mind  at  this  time  cannot  be  so  well  de- 
scribed as  in  his  own  language.  "At  length,"  he  ob- 
serves, '  *  the  period  of  deliverance  drew  nigh !  One  morn- 
ing the  thought  came  into  my  mind,  agreeably  to  what 
the  good  ministers  of  a  century  back  were  wont  occa- 
sionally to  propose,  as  a  discriminating  method  of  test- 
ing the  condition  of  presons — whether  I  would  be  willing 
to  put  a  blank  sheet  of  paper  with  my  name  at  the  foot 
of  it,  into  the  hand  of  God  for  him  to  fill  up  my  destiny 
as  might  seem  good  in  his  sight!  I  felt  that  I  ought 
to  be  perfectly  willing  to  do  this,  but  was  not;  and  as 
the  idea  which  was  unpleasant  to  me,  was  departing,  I 
considered  distinctly,  that  I  was  like  the  foolish  bird, 
which  is  said  to  hide  its  head  from  the  sight  of  danger 
and  remain  all  exposed  to  it. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  31 

* '  In  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  a  little  after  sunset, 
the  same  thought  returned.  I  felt  that  I  should  be  will- 
ing thus  to  put  a  blank  into  the  hand  of  God,  to  be  by 
him  filled  as  he  might  please!  Naj^,  being  weary  of 
the  quarrel  with  God,  so  to  speak,  in  which  I  had  been 
so  long  involved,  I  felt  as  if  I  could  wish  it  were  literally 
a  fact,  that  I  could  so  dispose  of  myself  and  of  the  case. 
It  farther  occurred  to  me,  whether  I  would  not  be  will- 
ing for  God  thus  to  write  out  my  destiny  and  retain 
it  with  himself,  letting  me  know  it  only  so  fast  as  it 
should  come  to  pass:  to  which  my  mind  and  feelings 
readily  assented ;  and  a  moment 's  reflection  presented  it 
to  my  view  as  the  obvious  reality  of  the  case:  I  was 
absolutely  at  the  disposal  of  God ;  and  should  know  the 
details  of  my  destiny  just  as  the  same  should  be  devel- 
oped. And  I  then  found  in  this  disposition  of  absolute 
unreserved  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  a  sweet  and 
blessed  tranquillity. 

' '  From  that  moment,  I  seemed  to  be  on  the  Lord 's  side 
— was  no  longer  at  variance  and  in  quarrel  with  my 
Maker;  and  from  that  day  to  this  I  have  entertained  a 
hope,  that  through  the  abundant  mercy  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  rich  grace  of  the  precious  Redeemer,  and  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  on  the  ground  of  the  great 
atonement,  I  have  become  reconciled  to  God!  And  I 
may  say,  too,  to  a  very  happy  extent,  this  hope  has  re- 
mained invariable  and  unshaken.  M}^  feelings  often 
vary,  and  vary  much ;  but  not  my  hope.  And  it  must 
be  quite  obvious  that  while  pleased  with  the  will  of  God, 
one  must  be  happy. 

"This  happy  experience  took  place  one  Saturday  eve- 
ning, in  the  fall  of  the  year,  a  little  after  sunset ;  I  do 


32  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

not  recollect  the  day  of  the  month ;  though  I  very  dis- 
tinctly remember  the  hour  of  the  day,  the  spot  where  I 
was,  and  the  circumstances  around  me.  In  the  morning 
the  burden  of  my  prayer  was,  for  absolute  submission 
to  the  will  of  God.  I  seemed,  too,  to  be  on  the  side  of 
God!  Reconciled  to  him!  I  had  been  in  the  habit  of 
praying,  or  trying  to  pray ;  but  it  seemed  rather  like  the 
quarrel,  the  unreconciled  pleadings  of  an  enemy  in 
chains,  than  the  submissive  supplications  of  conscious 
unworthiness  at  a  throne  of  grace!  But  now  all  was 
changed:  I  was  on  the  side  of  God — was  his,  and  had 
no  longer  any  thing  to  do  of  my  own  but  in  his  service, 
as  his  property. 

"At  breakfast  I  began  to  talk  in  a  manner  different 
from  what  the  family  had  ever  heard — the  happiness  of 
giving  one's  self  absolutely  to  God?  "What  said  one, 
must  we  be  willing  to  be  damned?  I  observed,  that  I 
had  said  nothing  about  being  damned,  but  apprehended 
that  the  only  way  to  escape  that  dreadful  end,  was  to 
give  ourselves  absolutely  to  Ood!  It  appeared  to  me  too, 
so  reasonable,  and  proper,  and  happy,  that  I  almost 
thought  I  really  could  persuade  persons  to  do  it;  and 
felt  as  if,  could  they  but  be  prevailed  with,  once  to  make 
the  experiment,  they  would  in  a  moment  find  such  de- 
light in  it,  that  they  could  have  no  wish  ever  to  retreat. 
From  that  day  to  this,  I  have  been  trying  in  some  form 
or  other,  thus  to  persuade  men ;  but  soon  found,  and  have 
continued  to  find,  that  nothing  short  of  divine  power 
and  influence  can  accomplish  it. 

"After  breakfast,  I  sat  reading,  not  conscious  of  the 
effect  on  my  countenance  of  the  delightful  workings  in 
my  bosom;  till  my  sister  asked,  what  was  I  smiling  at. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  33 

That  Sabbath  was  truly  a  delightful  one  to  me.  I  now 
felt  perfectly  well  as  to  health,  and  was  continually  sing- 
ing by  myself,  instead  of  weeping  and  wailing  as  before. 

'Come  sound  his  praise  abroad, 

And  hymns  of  glory  sing: 
Jehovah  is  the  sovereign  God, 

The  universal  King.' 

"After  finding  myself  thus  happy  in  the  Lord,  I  be- 
gan to  reflect  in  a  day  or  two,  whether  touching  this 
reconciliation  with  God,  there  was  any  thing  of  Christ 
in  it  or  not !  It  then  opened  very  clearly  and  sweetly 
to  my  view,  that  all  this  blessed  effect  and  experience 
arose  distinctly  out  of  the  efficacy  of  the  atonement  made 
by  Christ.  That  I  was  indebted  wholly  to  him  for  it  all, 
and  indeed  the  whole  of  that  luminous  system  of  di- 
vinity drawn  out  in  the  Westminster  Catechism,  opened 
on  my  view  with  light,  and  beauty,  and  power.  This  I 
had  been  taught  to  repeat,  when  a  child.  I  then  felt  and 
still  feel  glad  that  I  had  been  so  taught." 

An  entire  change  was  now  wrought,  not  only  in  his 
feelings,  but  in  his  whole  character — old  things  were 
passed  away,  and  all  things  became  new.  "While  the 
foundation  of  his  hope  was  Christ  Jesus,  and  him  cruci- 
fied, he  began  to  serve  the  Lord  in  newness  of  spirit,  and 
not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter.  As  he  had  before  been 
unable  to  conceal  the  deep-seated  gloom  which  pervaded 
his  mind;  so  now  he  desired  not  to  remain  a  passive  re- 
cipient of  the  divine  favor.  "Wherever  he  went,  he  car- 
ried in  his  countenance  and  conversation,  the  indications 
of  a  change,  as  happy  as  it  was  supernatural.  After 
realizing  deliverance,  he  says  referring  to  this  time, 


34  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"I  had  much  freedom  and  readiness  in  conversing  on 
the  subject  of  religion.  Scarcely  for  a  season  did  any 
opportunity  of  speaking  to  any  person  about  the  things 
of  eternity  occur  without  my  having  something  to  say. 
This  soon  began  to  make  a  noise,  and  to  give  offense. 
Professors  of  religion  and  ministers  of  the  Arminian 
stamp  were  among  those  that  found  fault  with  my  for- 
wardness, and  making  too  much  ado  about  religion.  But 
my  heart  was  in  the  thing  and  I  could  not  stop.  I  felt 
for  the  souls  of  perishing  sinners  around  me.  I  felt  too, 
that  in  real  religion,  there  is  happiness." 

Speaking  of  the  works  to  which  he  had  access  previous 
to  his  conversation,  he  says,  "the  books  that  I  read 
during  the  period  of  my  distress,  which  was  a  year  and 
a  half  or  more,  were  such  as  the  works  of  John  Newton, 
Alleine's  Alarm,  Baxter's  Call,  Baxter's  Saint's  Rest, 
Stoddard's  Safety  of  appearing  in  the  Righteousness  of 
Christ,  Doddridge's  Rise  and  Progress  of  Religion  in 
the  Soul,  President  Davies'  Sermons,  and  so  on,  and  I 
still  think  these  excellent  and  very  valuable  works.  In- 
deed I  can  not  but  esteem  it  a  signal  favor  in  Divine 
Providence,  that  in  the  absence  of  other  much-needed 
lielps,  such  truly  good  books  fell  into  my  hands.  I  read 
them  with  very  serious  attention ;  for  I  felt  that  eternity 
was  awfully  at  stake.  I  read  the  Bible  too,  of  course, 
with  much  anxiety,  from  which  and  from  such  books 
as  those  just  mentioned,  and  the  Catechism,  the  incipient 
outline  of  my  religious  sentiments  was  formed ;  my  exer- 
cises of  experience  modified  and  characterized;  and  my 
hope  developed,  shaped  and  established:  Glory  to  God!" 

At  this  time,  Luther  had  reached  his  nineteenth  year. 
The  happy  feelings  to  which  allusion  has  been  made,  did 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  35 

not  expire  with  the  novelty  of  the  change  he  had  realized. 
For  a  series  of  months  the  candle  of  the  Lord  shone 
round  about  him,  while  he  triumphed  in  the  riches  of 
that  mercy,  which  had  relieved  him  from  the  bondage  of 
sin.  He  now  began  to  inquire  what  he  might  do  to 
glorify  his  Divine  Redeemer,  and  soon  determined  that 
it  was  his  duty  to  make  a  public  profession  of  religion 
by  uniting  with  the  church.  There  was  a  special  desire 
entertained  to  mingle  with  the  pious,  in  commemorating 
the  dying  love  of  Christ  at  his  table.  But  in  attempting 
to  discharge  this  duty,  and  enjoy  such  a  privilege,  he 
found  his  mind  involved  in  perplexity. 

The  church  in  Northborough,  with  its  minister,  were 
far  from  entertaining  views  and  feelings  congenial  with 
his  own.  Indeed,  most  of  the  members  of  the  church, 
while  they  could  not  but  admit  that  a  remarkable  change 
in  the  whole  character  of  Luther  had  occurred,  were 
unable  to  sympathize  with  him  either  in  those  holy  joys 
which  then  inspired  his  soul,  or  in  the  deep  anguish 
which  he  had  previously  experienced.  Like  Nicodemus, 
they  were  ready  to  inquire,  "how  can  these  things  be?" 
They  abscribed  all  to  the  influence  of  an  excited  imagina- 
tion, and  denominated  all  a  pernicious  enthusiasm. 

The  very  fact  that  but  little  communion  of  soul  could 
be  enjoyed  under  these  circumstances,  was  sufficient  to 
produce  hesitation  in  the  mind  of  this  youthful  dis- 
ciple. But  there  was  still  a  stronger  objection.  Com- 
paratively inexperienced  as  he  might  then  have  been, 
he  knew  enough  of  divine  truth  to  be  aware  that  the 
church  was  sadly  deficient  in  her  views  of  the  word  of 
God,  and  in  the  spirit  and  practice  of  most  of  her  mem- 
bers.    The  form  of  godliness  was  there,  but  its  vitality 


36  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

had  nearly  departed.  Serious  scruples  were  enter- 
tained lest  in  forming  connection  with  this  people,  he 
should  be  lending  countenance  to  error.  But,  in  survey- 
ing the  whole  ground,  he  saw  no  method  of  avoiding 
the  difficulty.  No  church  within  his  knowledge  was  of  a 
different  character.  At  length  he  resolved  to  testify  his 
own  love  to  the  Saviour  by  an  open  profession  and  a 
personal  obedience  to  his  commands;  while  he  enter- 
tained the  hope  that  by  the  divine  blessing,  he  might 
be  the  instrument  of  effecting  a  change  in  the  church 
itself.  His  union  with  the  church  took  place,  March  14th, 
1802,  a  short  time  before  he  had  entered  his  20th  year. 

He  now  found  himself  thrown  into  a  new  sphere  of 
labor,  and  involved  in  new  responsibilities.  With  his 
characteristic  firmness,  he  resolved  upon  the  faithful 
discharge  of  duty,  whatever  might  be  the  sacrifice.  In 
his  father's  house  the  family  altar  had  long  been  un- 
known; an  attempt  to  rebuild  it  was  successfully  made. 
He  could  find  none  in  the  household,  who  would  consent 
to  unite  with  him  in  morning  and  evening  devotion,  but 
his  mother,  and  his  youngest  sister,  who  about  this  time 
had  also  become  a  disciple  of  the  Redeemer.  In  his  daily 
intercourse  with  the  family,  he  maintained  a  dignified 
gravity  of  manner,  and  a  spirituality  of  temper,  which 
evinced  the  sincerity  of  his  aims,  and  commended  to  all 
the  happy  effects  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion. 

There  was,  too,  constantly  manifest,  the  most  amiable 
and  affectionate  regard  to  the  comfort  of  those  around 
him,  showing  that  while  the  gospel  restrains  unholy  pur- 
poses and  passions,  it  produces  no  churlish  influence,  nor 
deadens  the  kindlier  and  softer  sensibilities  of  our  social 
nature.    While  therefore,  he  was  mild  and  kind  to  all, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  37 

he  was  not  afraid  to  rebuke  sin  when  necessity  required. 
An  anecdote  related  by  his  brother  Asaph  will  serve  to 
show  how  constantly  the  love  of  Christ  influenced  his 
heart.  One  morning,  the  next  older  brother  to  himself, 
who  was  devoted  to  carnal  pleasures,  boasted  in  his  pres- 
ence of  some  sinful  gratification,  in  which  he  had  partici- 
pated the  day  previous.  With  a  look  full  of  benevolence, 
and  a  tone  of  deep  solemnity,  Luther  interrupted  him 
and  said:  "Ah,  brother!  if  sinners  did  take  as  much 
pains  to  work  out  their  salvation,  as  they  do  to  effect 
their  ruin,  how  few  would  be  lost." 

He  began  also  to  make  special  efforts,  by  conversation 
and  otherwise,  to  influence  the  minds  of  the  unconverted. 
Even  at  this  early  age,  he  possessed  a  peculiarly  happy 
talent  for  giving  a  serious  direction  to  the  thoughts 
and  feelings  of  those  around  him.  This  talent  he  wisely 
improved.  He  was  never  unwilling  to  have  it  known 
that  he  was  a  follower  of  Christ,  nor  was  he  ashamed 
or  afraid  to  vindicate  his  cause.  Frequently  would  he 
enter  into  free  and  affectionate  conversation  with  his 
young  companions,  warning  them  to  escape  the  wrath 
to  come.  "At  that  period,"  he  himself  observes,  "my 
mind  was  constantly  upon  the  subject  of  religion  and 
the  salvation  of  souls — truth  appeared  to  me  very  clear 
and  precious.  While  employed  in  my  wonted  daily  avo- 
cation, my  mind  would  be  meditating  how  to  speak  to 
others  on  the  concerns  of  eternity." 

Another  subject  of  deep  and  painful  solicitude  with 
Luther  was  the  spiritual  condition  of  the  church.  He 
beheld  the  prevalence  of  erroneous  sentiments  in  regard 
to  some  vital  points;  while  by  far  the  greater  portion 
of  the  members  were  indulging  in  a  state  of  carnal  ease 


38  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

and  worldliness.  He  could  not  reconcile  it  with  his  ob- 
ligations to  remain  a  silent  spectator,  and  yet  he  could 
not  avoid  embarrassment  of  mind  arising  from  his  youth 
and  inexperience.  He  determined  on  a  prudent,  yet 
decided  course.  Having  found  a  few  individuals  in  the 
church  of  kindred  spirit,  a  friendly  intercourse  was  com- 
menced, and  a  free  interchange  of  sentiment  indulged, 
by  which  they  became  mutually  established  in  the  faith. 
His  next  step  was  to  appoint  and  lead  a  social  prayer 
meeting.  It  was  also  designed  for  free  conference  on 
their  own  personal  feelings.  These  meetings  were  com- 
menced the  same  year  in  which  he  united  with  the 
church. 

His  brother  Asaph,  in  referring  to  the  subject,  re- 
marks :  ' '  These  meetings  were  entirely  new  in  the  place, 
and  but  few  attended.  Until  this  period  he  was  not 
molested  but  suffered  to  enjoy  his  opinions;  but  when 
it  was  found  that  his  religion  was  an  active  principle, 
opposition  began  to  rear  its  brazen  front.  His  meetings 
were  held  in  an  old  school  house,  but  it  was  not  long 
before  it  was  locked  up,  and  he  driven  from  the  place. 
Some  two  or  three  meetings  were  afterwards  appointed 
at  the  residence  of  an  old  professor  of  religion,  but  when 
he  found  they  were  unpopular,  he  declined  opening  his 
doors  for  that  purpose.  An  appointment  was  then  made 
on  Thanksgiving  day  at  the  house  of  one  of  the  deacons 
of  the  church.  As  soon  as  it  was  known,  many  of  the 
neighbors  assembled  and  uttered  such  threats  as  induced 
the  old  gentleman  to  countermand  the  appointment." 
His  brother  Asaph  then  opened  his  house,  and  the  meet- 
ings were  there  for  some  time  continued.  He  seems  to 
have  enjoyed  these  seasons  in  a  very  high  degree. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  39 

In  a  letter  to  a  friend,  he  thus  refers  to  these  meetings : 
"Not  only  was  the  opposition  of  my  own  respected  and 
dear  father  to  be  encountered ;  but  that  of  other  profes- 
sors of  religion,  members  of  the  same  church  with  myself, 
and  of  the  unconverted  and  the  wicked.  But  God 
suffered  none  of  them  to  set  on  me  to  hurt  me,  though 
some  threatenings  were  uttered.  Scarce  a  member  of  the 
church  dared  fully  to  countenance  my  course — for  really 
considerable  excitement  prevailed  for  a  season  among 
the  people  in  relation  to  my  course.  I  could  not  refrain 
from  talking  with  every  one,  that  met  with  me  on  the 
subject  of  religion;  nor  could  I  refrain  from  holding 
religious  meetings,  called  conference  meetings,  to  read, 
pray,  exliort,  and  converse  with  such  as  attended,  al- 
though only  half  a  dozen  ventured  to  attend.  My  brother, 
then  a  member  of  the  same  church,  now  the  only  sur- 
viving one  besides  myself,  of  seven,  being  of  an  inde- 
pendent spirit,  regardless  of  the  opposition  of  the  min- 
ister, professors,  and  the  multitude,  although  he  did  not 
unite  with  me  in  my  course,  yet  allowed  me  at  any  time 
to  hold  meetings  at  his  house.  There  was  a  Baptist  in 
another  neighborhood  not  far  distant,  who  would  also 
allow  me  to  hold  meetings  at  any  time  at  his  house.  I 
do  not  now  recollect  any  other  that  would  do  it.  A  cousin 
of  mine,  deacon  of  the  same  church,  and  one  among  the 
more  apparently  religious  of  the  professors,  consented 
I  might  hold  a  meeting  at  his  house,  but  before  the  day 
appointed  came,  he  withdrew  his  consent,  and  utterly 
refused  to  permit  it!  I  seriously  asked  him  how  he 
thought  that  it  would  appear  in  the  day  of  judgment,  his 
refusing  the  friends  of  Christ  to  meet  in  his  house  to 
pray  and  talk  together  of  the  things  of  the  kingdom  of 


40  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

Christ,  because  the  enemies  of  Christ  spoke  against  it! 
But  nothing  could  move  him!  I  insisted  that  his  re- 
fusal was  a  violation  of  his  previous  promise  to  me,  but 
to  no  purpose!  Such  was  the  state  of  things  that  im- 
mediately ensued,  when  it  pleased  the  gracious  Re- 
deemer to  give  me  comfort  and  life  in  religion.  A 
candle  is  not  lighted  to  he  put  under  a  bushel.  My  pro- 
fession of  religion,  while  I  had  only  the  form,  without  the 
power  of  godliness,  made  no  disturbance.  But  the  light 
cannot  fail  to  give  uneasiness  to  those  who  love  dark- 
ness!" 

In  these  endeavors  to  promote  the  spiritual  good  of 
the  church,  he  was  joined  by  a  relative,  who  was  at 
that  time  preparing  to  enter  the  ministry.  A  few  others, 
also,  were  his  companions  in  labor.  But  when  persecu- 
tion raged,  nearly  all  forsook  him  and  fled.  He  was 
not,  however,  forsaken  of  Him  for  whom  these  trials 
were  endured.  The  cheering  smile  of  his  Lord  and  Mas- 
ter was  enjoyed,  and  this  was  an  ample  recompense  for 
the  loss  of  all  earthly  good. 

The  most  painful  circumstance  connected  with  the 
trials  of  Luther  has  not  yet  been  mentioned.  Nor  would 
it  have  been  introduced  were  it  not  that  it  constitutes 
an  important  item  in  the  development  of  his  character 
and  feelings,  and  of  his  future  history. 

This  circumstance  was  the  stern  opposition  of  his 
father.  His  brother  Asaph  says  in  reference  to  it :  "In 
the  persecution  he  endured  was  literally  fulfilled  the 
prophecy  of  the  Saviour,  'a  man's  foes  shall  be  they 
of  his  own  household.'  His  father  became  his  most  bit- 
ter enemy,  furnishing  materials  for  opposition  and  ridi- 
cule which  had  not  the  least  foundation  in  fact.  His 
mother  stood  by  and  defended  him  in  his  trials,  which 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  41 

made  him  feel  so  peculiarly  tender  towards  her  in  all 
after  life.  I  believe  there  was  but  one  house,  excepting 
my  own,  in  which  he  was  permitted  to  hold  religious 
meetings. ' ' 

There  are  two  things  which  here  deserve  the  notice 
of  the  biographer.  In  the  course  he  pursued,  and  which 
excited  all  this  rancorous  feeling  he  did  not  depart  from 
the  path  of  discretion.  There  was  nothing  in  his  meas- 
ures which  did  not  accord  with  all  that  might  be  ex- 
pected from  an  active,  spiritually  minded  Christian. 
In  the  second  place,  the  rage  of  his  foes  was  met  with 
the  meekness  and  mildness  of  the  lamb.  This  is  the 
testimony  of  his  surviving  brother.  "The  opposition  he 
met  with,"  he  says,  *'was  principally  from  professors 
of  religion.  His  naturally  good  temper  secured  for  him 
the  friendship  of  his  early  companions,  for  though  he 
was  serious,  he  was  not  morose ;  though  religious,  he  was 
not  austere.  He  maintained  such  consistency  of  conduct, 
that  like  the  princes  and  governors  of  old.  they  could  find 
no  fault  with  him,  except  it  was  in  relation  to  his  God. 
Although  his  father  rarely  spoke  peaceably  to  him ;  he 
bore  all  with  such  meekness  of  manner,  and  kindness  of 
language  as  fully  to  demonstrate  that  he  had  imbibed 
another  spirit.  His  conduct  in,  and  out  of  the  family 
was  uniform."  Referring,  himself,  in  another  clause 
to  the  treatment  of  his  parent,  he  makes  use  of  the  terms, 
"my  own  dear  and  respected  father:"  and  indeed  al- 
ways seemed  to  entertain  the  feelings  which  a  child 
should  manifest  towards  his  parent. 

That  something  of  the  general  spirit  by  which  he  was 
actuated  may  be  learnt  by  the  reader,  an  extract  from  a 
letter  addressed  to  a  beloved  aunt  in  the  year  1804,  will 
here  be  inserted.     "I  have  lately  had  a  dispute  or  two 


42  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

both  against  Arminianism  and  Universalism.  I  think  it 
quite  probable,  that  I  shall  have  more.  I  stand  in  great 
need  of  your  prayers,  that  I  may  not  do  an  injury  to  re- 
ligion, while  attempting  to  defend  it.  I  think  it  impor- 
tant to  Christians  firmly  to  maintain  the  doctrines  of  the 
Bible;  but  it  is  highly  necessary  that  we  maintain  them 
with  meekness,  with  disinterestedness,  and  love.  Let  us 
love  the  truth ;  and  whenever  we  have  a  call  to  defend 
it,  let  us  endeavor  to  manifest  that  we  love  it,  and  con- 
tend not  for  victory,  but  for  the  truth's  sake.  Let  us  by 
all  means  endeavor  to  manifest  that  we  wish  well  to 
our  opponents ;  and  carefully  avoid  the  smallest  appear- 
ance of  an  angry  or  self-important  spirit.  Let  us  en- 
deavor that  benignity,  meekness,  and  inoffensiveness 
may  be  distinguishing  features  in  our  lives  and  conversa- 
tion. Let  us  very  earnestly  strive  that  these  beauties 
may  be  woven  into  the  very  web  and  texture  of  our  whole 
deportment.  Let  us  give  the  most  heedful  and  persever- 
ing diligence  to  gain  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit,  which  is  in  the  sight  of  God  of  great  price.  This 
is  that  amiableness,  which  free  from  selfish  ostentation, 
it  may  be  truly  said,  that  it 

'Needs  not  the  foreign  aid  of  ornament 
But  is,  when  unadorned,  adorned  the  most. ' 

"Let  us  study  the  life  and  character  of  Jesus,  and 
tread  in  his  footsteps  with  a  holy  ambition  of  soul.  And 
though  we  cannot,  and  indeed  if  we  could,  ought  not  to 
help  being  grieved  at  the  miscarriages  of  others,  yet  let 
us  endeavor  to  profit  by  them.  Let  them  serve  to  keep 
us  humble,  watchful  and  prayerful.  Let  us  strive  to  rid 
ourselves,  as  far  as  possible,  from  every  impropriety, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  43 

from  every  inconsistency  and  blemish.  This  we  are  bound 
to  do  by  the  tenor  of  our  high  calling.  Are  persons  to 
judge  of  the  Master  by  what  they  observe  in  the  dis- 
ciple? How  infinitely  important  is  our  character  as 
Christians?  What  high  responsibilities  are  we  under! 
The  glory  of  the  eternal  Jehovah  as  well  as  the  happiness 
of  immortal  souls,  is,  as  it  were,  in  some  measure  en- 
trusted with  us.  With  what  diligent  concern  should  we 
regard  so  sacred,  so  infinitely  dear  and  important  a  de- 
posite.  Let  us  then,  my  dear  and  respected  aunt,  en- 
deavor to  glorify  Christ,  and  recommend  his  peaceful, 
benign  religion  to  all  around  us,  by  a  meek,  inoffensive 
and  winning  deportment;  and  then  no  doubt,  we  shall 
experience  the  truth  of  that  lovely  scripture !  The  meek 
also  shall  increase  their  joy  in  the  Lord. 

"Among  other  efforts  I  have  drawn  up  a  subscription 
paper,  and  after  spending  some  time,  have  obtained 
fifteen  subscribers,  in  this  town,  for  the  Magazine;  and 
I  expect  to  gain  a  few  more.  This  I  hope  is  a  token  for 
good.  I  hope  the  Magazine  will  be  blessed  to  the  con- 
version of  sinners  in  this  place ;  and  that  the  money  paid 
for  them  will  be  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  others.  The 
design  of  the  'Missionary  Society'  is  benevolent;  and 
by  taking  the  Magazine  we  assist,  and  encourage  them 
as  well  as  benefit  ourselves.  I  have  engaged  to  be  at 
the  trouble  of  getting  the  Magazine  into  town  for  all 
who  set  their  names  to  my  paper.  I  went  to  Mr.  Austen 's, 
last  Wednesday,  after  the  first  number.  The  more  I 
see  that  man,  the  better  I  like  him.  He  thanked  me 
for  my  exertions  in  the  good  cause,  and  appeared  to  be 
pleased  that  there  were  so  many  subscribers  in  this  place. 
He  encouraged  me  to  exert  myself  to  do  good:  but  at 
the  same  time,  this  holy  man  did  not  forget  to  caution 


44  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

me  against  that  dangerous  enemy  to  our  souls,  spiritual 
pride.  He  also  gave  me  the  pleasing  intelligence,  that 
Christians  throughout  the  world  are  quite  alive  to  the 
interests  of  religion.  Such  news  is  very  animating ;  I 
know  of  nothing  more  calculated  to  rouse  our  sluggish 
souls,  than  hearing  of  the  life,  activity,  and  zeal  of  others. 
If  Christians  are  in  general  stirred  up,  may  we  not  look 
upon  it  as  a  token,  or  rather  an  earnest,  that  God  is 
about  to  spread  the  triumphs  of  the  cross !  What  cause 
then  is  this  of  joy  and  praise,  for  every  Christian?" 


CHAPTER   III 

Thoughts  Respecting  an  Entrance  into  the  Ministry — 
Determination  to  Pursue  a  Course  of  Study — Joins 
Leicester  Academy — Enters  Williams  College — In- 
creased Desire  for  the  Salvation  of  Men — Seeks  the 
Reformation  of  the  Church  of  Northhorough — Let- 
ter to  Unconverted  Brother — Self -Examination — 
Sense  of  Personal  TJnworthiness — Christian  Charac- 
ter at  College — Filial  Affection. 

Two  or  three  years  from  the  time  he  joined  the  church, 
some  inquiries  began  to  be  indulged,  respecting  the 
propriety  of  devoting  himself  to  the  Christian  ministry. 
Up  to  this  period  he  had  laboured  on  the  farm,  and  ex- 
pected to  continue  at  this  employment  through  life. 
The  fond  desire  had  been  cherished  to  remain  with  his 
parents,  and  contribute  while  they  lived  to  their  com- 
fort and  support.  But  God  seeth  not  as  man  seeth.  The 
trials  which  on  every  side  were  suffered,  produced  a 
purifying  influence  on  the  heart,  and  led  to  a  more  un- 
reserved consecration  to  God.  As  his  brother  expresses 
it:  "In  his  father's  house,  he  was  made  to  bear  the 
yoke  in  his  youth,  and  was  trained  to  the  cultivation  of 
those  graces,  so  useful  in  prosecuting  the  work  in  which 
he  was  to  spend  the  remnant  of  life. ' ' 

A  reference  to  this  important  period,  and  the  circum- 
stances which  inclined  him  to  think  seriously  of  entering 
the  ministry,  is  contained  in  one  of  his  own  letters,  writ- 
ten in  the  year  1835.  He  thus  proceeds:  "Important 
consequences  frequently  spring  from  causes  apparently 
trivial  and  inadequate ;  and  the  most  important  turns  in 

[45] 


46  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

life,  find  their  origin  sometimes  in  circumstances  of  an 
unpleasant  nature,  often  in  things  unlocked  for,  and  not 
taken  into  the  account  in  calculating  the  plan  and  course 
to  be  pursued.  This  observation  arose  in  my  mind,  in 
reflecting  on  circumstances  which  were  connected  with 
the  original  purpose  to  obtain  a  collegiate  education, 
with  a  view  to  the  Christian  ministry;  and  indeed  all 
the  more  important  turns  in  my  life  thus  far  have  been 
unexpected,  till  almost  in  contact,  or  so  to  speak,  with 
the  very  period  of  their  occurrence,  growing  out  of  cir- 
cumstances not  thought  of  beforehand,  and  not  taken 
into  the  calculation  in  forming  the  plan  of  pursuit.  These 
turns  have,  therefore,  been  mostly  unexpected;  or,  if 
contemplated  at  all  in  the  distance,  have  been  developed 
at  a  time,  or  in  a  way  not  previously  anticipated.  The 
way  of  man  is  not  in  himself. 

**My  former  letter  brought  the  recital  of  events, 
through  which  the  guiding  hand  of  Divine  Providence 
was  conducting  me,  to  the  conclusion  then  formed  of 
seeking  an  enlarged  and  proper  education,  with  a  view 
of  preaching  the  gospel.  A  circumstance  of  deeply  em- 
bittered unpleasantness  was  intimately  mingled  with  the 
considerations,  which  constituted  the  basis  of  that  im- 
portant turn  in  my  earthly  career.  The  circumstance 
here  alluded  to  was  the  opposition  of  my  father  (but 
still  I  venerate  the  memory  of  a  name  so  dear),  yes, 
the  opposition  of  my  father  to  that  life  in  religion,  which 
I  could  not  refrain  from  manifesting!  He,  as  well  as 
my  mother  (still  exceedingly  dear  to  my  memory),  was 
a  member  of  the  same  church  which  I  at  first  joined. 
While  I  was  merely  sober,  serious,  and  moral,  but  un- 
acquainted with  the  power  of  vital  godliness,  he  was 
well  enough  pleased.    But  when  it  pleased  God  to  make 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  47 

me  see,  and  feel,  and  manifest  the  reality  and  life  of 
religion;  having  never  experienced,  as  I  have  reason  to 
fear,  any  thing  of  the  kind  himself,  he  could  not  bear 
with  it  in  me !  This  state  of  things  effectually  uprooted 
the  fond  anticipation  I  had  indulged  of  possessing  the 
home-place,  and  taking  charge  of  my  parents,  (a  con- 
sideration exceedingly  dear  to  me),  in  their  latest  de- 
cline. And  thus  what  might  otherwise  have  constituted 
a  material  barrier  in  the  way  of  my  devoting  my  life 
to  the  sacred  service  of  the  ministry,  was  entirely  re- 
moved. How  mysterious  are  the  ways  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence. ' ' 

The  idea  of  obtaining  a  collegiate  education,  was  first 
suggested  by  an  Evangelic  Calvinistic  minister,  residing 
about  ten  miles  distant  from  Northborough.  He  had 
been  a  witness  of  his  toils  and  trials,  and  believed  that 
God  intended  him  for  eminent  usefulness.  Previously 
to  this  period  every  opportunity  of  improvement  had 
been  embraced,  and  thus  his  mind  was  stored  with  much 
useful  information.  But  now  he  resolved  on  passing 
through  an  entire  course  of  study.  That  he  might  be 
prepared  to  enter  college,  he  became  connected  with  the 
Leicester  Academy,  and  pursued  the  preparatory  studies 
with  commendable  diligence.  Three  years  were  spent  in 
this  manner.  To  assist  in  defraying  the  expenses,  part 
of  the  time  was  occupied  in  teaching  a  day  school  at 
Paxton,  and  conducting  a  singing  class  at  night.  Amid 
these  cares  and  labours,  there  was  no  intermission  of  holy 
devotion  to  the  Redeemer 's  cause.  Prayer  meetings  were 
still  held  under  his  superintendence;  and  endeavors 
were  constantly  made  to  win  souls  to  Christ.  The  varied 
perplexing  trials  to  which  he  had  been  subject,  had  pro- 
duced a  very  salutary  influence  on  his  own  heart,  so 


48  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

that  besides  vigorous  exertions  to  benefit  others,  he  was 
habitually"  prompt  in  the  duties  of  self-examination  and 
prayer.  It  is  stated  by  one  who  had  opportunity  of 
knowing  that  he  delighted  especially  in  communion  with 
God,  and  often  referred  to  the  inexpressible  satisfaction 
received  in  carrying  all  his  griefs  before  the  throne,  and 
there  seeking  aid  and  direction.  Nor  did  he  seek  in  vain. 
The  Lord  strengthened  with  all  grace,  by  his  spirit  in 
the  inner  man,  and  enabled  his  servant  to  exhibit  in  the 
presence  of  all  his  foes  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet 
spirit. 

Mr.  Rice  entered  Williams  College  in  the  early  part 
of  October,  1807.  In  passing  through  the  requisite  ex- 
amination, it  was  found  that  he  was  prepared  at  once 
to  enter  the  Sophomore  class.  This  fact  will  determine 
how  well  the  three  previous  years  at  the  academy  had 
been  improved.  Though  deeply  and  constantly  inter- 
ested in  the  salvation  of  sinners,  this  solicitude  was  not 
allowed  to  prevent  the  closest  application  to  study.  In- 
deed it  seems  rather  to  have  operated  as  a  stimulus.  The 
principle  had  been  settled  that  he  belonged  to  God,  and 
the  best  means  of  qualifying  himself  for  effective  service 
were  deliberately  sought.  That  some  idea  of  the  tone 
of  his  religious  feeling  at  this  time  may  be  formed,  a 
brief  extract  from  a  letter  to  his  brother  will  be  inserted. 
It  is  dated: 

"Williams  College,  Oct.  14,  1807. 

*  *  Dear  Brother  : — I  have  now  been  here  a  little  more 
than  a  week,  and  being  settled  down  to  study,  begin  to 
feel  at  home.  I  am  not  yet  much  acquainted  with  the 
students.  There  is,  however,  I  believe,  a  considerable 
number  of  serious  and  hopefully  pious  persons  among 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  49 

them.  TJiere  is  also,  I  fear,  a  considerable  number,  I 
might  say,  a  majority  of  the  scholars,  who  appear  not  to 
be  serious,  or,  in  any  proper  sense  attentive  to  religion. 
There  have  been  three  deaths  in  this  town,  since  my 
arrival,  which  is  only  nine  days.  Two  young  persons 
who  entered  the  Freshman  class  in  this  college  at  Com- 
mencement, have  been  summoned  to  appear  in  another 
world.  One  of  them,  the  President's  son,  died  at  Com- 
mencement, soon  after  he  entered  the  college.  How 
uncertain  and  precarious  are  all  earthly  connections  and 
concerns!  Life  is  uncertain,  health  is  uncertain,  indeed 
all  things  with  which  we  are  conversant  in  this  world. 
In  such  a  condition,  how  precious  is  the  gospel  of  Christ ! 
What  an  immensity  of  good  does  it  present!  It  seems 
to  be  the  very  thing  we  stand  in  need  of.  It  completely 
meets  the  exigencies  of  our  cases.  In  this  world  of  crime, 
wretchedness,  and  uncertainty,  it  makes  over  to  the  be- 
liever, the  blessing  of  God.  To  those  who  comply  with 
it,  it  makes  all  desirable  good  absolutely  certain.  How 
important  then  is  a  compliance  with  the  gospel !  How 
desirable  that  Christians  should  duly  appreciate  this 
importance !  that  they  should  live  agreeably  to  their  high 
hopes  and  expectations,  and  walk  worthy  of  their  voca- 
tion 1  How  deplorable  to  see  such  vast  multitudes  of  our 
fellow  sinners  neglect,  and  that  too  for  a  thing  of 
naught,  this  infinitely  rich  inheritance !  How  cutting  to 
the  friends  of  Jesus,  to  see  wicked  wretches  spurning 
the  Saviour,  slighting  his  infinite  mercy,  and  trampling 
his  boundless  compassion  under  their  feet. ' ' 

A  removal  from  the  town  of  Northborough  did  not 
result  in  a  diminution  of  interest  for  the  spiritual  wel- 
fare of  the  church  in  that  place.     It  had  long  been  his 


50  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

heart's  desire,  and  prayer  to  God,  that  a  change  might 
be  effected,  and  now  while  prosecuting  his  studies  in 
another  town,  he  still  cherishes  a  deep  solicitude  on  this 
account.  In  many  letters  he  adverts  to  the  subject,  ex- 
pressing the  hope  that  his  brother  would  make  continued 
endeavors  to  promote  the  improvement  in  holiness  of 
those  with  whom  he  was  connected.  Being  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  impediments  in  the  way  of  success, 
and  the  limited  number  of  those  who  desired  a  differ- 
ent state  of  things,  he  urges  the  increased  responsibility 
to  effort.  "I  think  it  your  duty,"  he  remarks,  ''to  use 
great  and  persevering  exertions  to  produce  a  reforma- 
tion in  the  church ;  that  you  are  a  proper  person  to 
undertake  such  a  work — that  there  is  reason  to  hope  for, 
at  least  some  degree  of  success,  and  certainly  no  reason 
to  fear  that  things  will  be  driven  to  a  worse  state.  There 
is  therefore,  nothing  to  lose — make  the  experiment — the 
matter  is  of  serious  and  awful  moment. 

"A  few  observations  upon  each  of  these  particulars. 
"With  respect  to  the  first,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that 
we  are  under  indispensable  obligations  to  use  great  and 
persevering  exertions  to  reform  mankind,  so  far  as  we 
have  any  influence  over  them.  The  proofs  of  this  are 
numerous,  and  need  not  be  here  dwelt  upon.  Suffice  it 
to  say,  that  the  precepts  of  our  religion,  and  the  very 
nature  of  benevolence,  unitedly  enforce  it.  This  is  our 
duty  in  general;  but  you  are  obliged  to  particular  and 
strenuous  exertions,  in  that  particular  church,  by  express 
covenant  engagements.  I  conceive  that  as  individuals, 
we  are  bound  to  watch  over  every  other  individual.  Any 
other  construction  makes  the  covenant  in  this  respect  a 
mere  form  of  words,  without  any  meaning — a  solemn 
trifling  with  the  Almighty!  the  very  thought  of  which 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  51 

should  make  us  tremble.  If  individuals  be  not  bound, 
neither  is  the  church,  for  the  church  is  made  up  of  indi- 
viduals. 

*  *  But  how  must  reformation  be  attempted  ?  The  need 
of  it,  and  the  importance  of  using  exertion  for  its  ac- 
complishment, are  obvious  and  readily  acknowledged : 
but  what  shall  be  done?  What  particular  method  of 
procedure  will  be  most  proper?  What  occurs  to  me  as 
being  the  most  likely  way  of  doing  good,  under  your 
circumstances  is  this :  Talk  with  Mr.  W. ;  represent  the 
case  to  him  in  its  true  light,  with  great  plainness  and 
solemnity;  and  press  it  home  with  a  faithfulness  which 
looks  forward  to  the  bar  of  God,  and  at  the  same  time 
with  a  deference  due  to  his  station,  and  a  meekness  be- 
coming Christianity.  Converse  in  much  the  same  way 
with  the  religious  brethren  of  the  church.  Endeavor 
to  get  them  engaged  in  the  same  work,  get  some  of  these 
to  meet  with  you  once  a  week,  fortnight,  or  month,  as 
may  be  thought  proper,  humbly  and  earnestly  to  beg  the 
blessing,  direction,  and  aid  of  the  Almighty  God. 

''This  appears  to  me  a  very  necessary,  and  vastly 
important  step,  which  I  beseech  you  to  weigh  in  your 
own  mind  with  prayerful  attention.  Could  I  hear  that 
this  were  practiced,  I  should  expect  a  desirable  issue; 
but  without  it,  I  do  not  look  for  any  reformation,  I 
said  there  is  reason  to  hope  for  some  degree  of  success ; 
this  appears  to  be  evinced  by  experience.  The  faithful 
labors  of  God's  children  have  often  been  attended  with 
his  blessing;  and  why  have  not  you  as  much  reason  to 
expect  the  blessing  of  God,  in  the  faithful  and  pious 
discharge  of  duty,  as  others  who  have  gone  before  you. 

"Who  can  say  that  God  may  not  have  it  in  his  in- 
finitely holy  mind,  to  revive  religion  in  Northborough  ? 


52  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"Who  knows  but  that  you  may  have  been  raised  up  for  an 
instrument  in  some  measure  of  so  great  a  good?  And 
is  not  the  slightest  possibility  of  an  event  so  desirable, 
sufficient  to  call  into  exercise  all  the  powers  of  the  mind, 
and  to  excite  the  most  energetic  and  persevering  exer- 
tions? Methink  it  would  be  our  delight  to  be  pleading 
the  cause  of  our  glorious  Redeemer,  were  it  not  for  the 
amazing  insensibility  of  our  hearts.  Ought  not  our  souls 
to  burn  within  us,  and  to  bound  with  holy  desire  to  be 
engaged  in  such  a  cause ! ' ' 

It  will  be  seen  from  these  extracts  how  ardently  he 
desired  the  prosperity  of  the  church  with  which  he  still 
retained  membership.  None  can  fail  to  approve  of  the 
judicious  suggestions  contained  in  this  letter.  They 
evince  a  remarkable  discretion  for  one  so  young  in  the 
faith.  In  another  extract,  he  refers  to  the  best  method 
of  determining  the  path  of  duty  in  all  seasons  of  per- 
plexity, and  applies  it  to  the  anxiety  of  his  brother  re- 
specting the  state  of  things  in  Northborough.  It  is  in 
answer  to  inquiries  on  the  subject. 

''The  rule  by  which  we  are  bound  to  walk,  is  not  the 
opinion  of  erring,  sinful  fellow-worms,  but  the  infallible 
word  of  God.  This  is  a  perfect  rule  and  a  sufficient 
guide,  and  contains  proper  directions  for  every  case; 
but  yet  such  is  our  shortsightedness,  such  our  blindness 
of  heart,  so  limited  and  superficial  our  acquaintance  with 
God's  blessed  book,  that  we  may  be  still  liable  to  doubt, 
and  hesitate  concerning  duty  under  various  circum- 
stances. It  is  a  pretty  clear  case,  however  at  least  with 
me,  that  in  cases  of  hesitation  and  perplexity,  love  to 
God  and  religion  is  the  best  casuist  that  can  be  con- 
sulted. It  is  apprehended  that  if  the  heart  be  properly 
under  the  influence  of  holy  affection,  there  will  not  be 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  53 

great  danger  of  making  very  injurious  mistakes  in  prac- 
tice, or  of  neglecting  very  important  duties.  Gracious 
souls  by  living  near  to  God,  in  holy  communion  with 
the  sacred  Trinity,  may  acquire  a  peculiarly  desirable 
habit  of  judging  and  determining  upon  the  fitness  and 
propriety  of  present  conduct,  in  some  sense,  to  use  New- 
ton 's  comparison,  as  a  musical  ear  judges  of  sounds.  This 
suggests  the  importance  of  being  heavenly-minded,  if  we 
would  avoid  perplexity  and  pangs  of  conscience." 

A  very  affectionate  letter,  written  from  college  to  an 
unconverted  brother,  deserves  a  place  here,  evincing  as 
it  does  the  deep  concern  felt  for  one  so  nearly  connected, 
and  who  was  exposed  to  the  wrath  to  come.    It  is  dated : 

"Williams  College,  Nov.  25,  1807. 

' '  Brother  Jacob  : — Whatever  difference  of  opinion 
may  at  present  exist  between  us  with  respect  to  religion, 
and  however  variant  may  be  our  practice  in  this  respect, 
the  time  is  not  far  distance,  when  we  shall,  I  believe, 
harmonize  in  opinion  as  it  respects  the  most  essential, 
and  most  important  articles  of  belief,  and  shall  both 
approve  or  disapprove  the  same  general  course  of  con- 
duct. Our  sentiments  and  practices  will  both,  in  a  very 
short  time,  be  brought  to  the  solemn  test.  They  will  pass 
through  a  trial  which  no  art  can  elude,  nor  force  pre- 
vent, and  from  which  there  can  be  no  appeal.  And  if  a 
death-bed  do  not  remove  our  errors,  so  far  as  to  con- 
vince us  each  of  the  same  general  theory,  the  clear  ir- 
resistible light  of  eternity  will  undoubtedly  effect  it. 

"Suffer  your  brother,  whose  anxious,  longing  heart, 
feels  solicitous  for  your  welfare,  to  expostulate  with  you 
a  little  upon  the  vastly  interesting  concerns  of  a  future 


54  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

world.  You  are  not  requested  to  lay  aside  your  reason, 
but  to  exercise  it.  You  are  not  desired  to  receive  any 
proposition  as  truth  upon  the  mere  ipse  dixit  of  another, 
but  to  do  yourself  the  justice  candidly  to  weigh  the  evi- 
dence, and  to  yield  to  the  decision  which  reason,  un- 
biassed, uncorrupted,  necessarily  forms  in  view  of  truth. 
Could  you  be  prevailed  upon  to  do  this,  (and  surely 
not  to  do  it  must  leave  a  conviction,  and  consciousness  of 
the  most  egregious  folly),  there  would  remain  no  doubt 
of  a  speedy  alteration  in  your  sentiments  and  practice. 
"I  make  the  appeal  to  reason — I  go  farther,  I  appeal 
to  yourself,  and  am  willing  to  hazard  the  result  upon  the 
decision  of  your  own  mind,  if  you  will  not  stifle,  or 
conceal  the  conviction  of  your  own  understanding.  Has 
it  not  the  approbation  of  reason,  to  conduct  us,  strangers 
on  the  earth,  and  candidates  for  eternity?  Is  it  an 
apostacy  from  wisdom  to  treat  eternal  concerns  as  vastly 
more  important  and  interesting  than  those  of  a  temporal 
nature?  Is  it  an  aberration  from  true  dignity  or  great- 
ness, to  pay  a  serious  respect  and  reverence  to  the  name 
and  worship  of  the  Almighty?  Is  it  a  breach  of  pro- 
priety or  deviation  from  refinement,  to  revere  and  wor- 
ship our  Maker?  Does  it  discover  a  more  refined,  more 
noble,  or  more  exalted  mind,  to  live  without  God  in  the 
world?  To  treat  his  holy  name  with  irreverence,  and 
his  worship,  with  neglect?  Does  the  great  Sir  Isaac 
Newton  in  your  opinion  betray  his  weak  side,  in  his  sin- 
cere attachment  to  Christianity  ?  Does  the  name  of  chief 
justice  Hale  appear  to  you  contemptible,  on  account  of 
his  conscientious  regard  to  all  the  duties  of  piety  ?  Does 
Mr.  Boyle  sink  in  your  esteem,  because  he  felt  such  a 
profound  respect  for  that  immense  Being,  whom  we  call 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  55 

God,  as  to  introduce  a  solemn  pause,  whenever  he  was 
about  to  utter  his  tremendous  name  ? 

*'I  venture  to  say  what  answer  you  must  inevitably 
give  to  these  interrogatories,  would  you  only  allow  your- 
self a  few  moments  of  serious  reflection.  If  you  would 
not  shut  your  eyes  against  the  light,  and  believe  your 
own  conscience,  you  would  most  certainly  conclude  in 
favor  of  religion.  Do  not  say  that  I  speak  with  too 
great  an  air  of  assurance.  It  is  a  plain  case,  level  to  the 
lowest  capacity.  The  reasonableness  of  religion  is  so 
apparent,  and  the  folly  of  irreligion  so  strikingly  mani- 
fest, that  it  is  not  possible  for  an  unbiassed  mind,  which 
attends  to  evidence,  and  is  prepared  to  decide  according 
to  truth,  to  embrace  a  conclusion  unfavorable  to  the 
former,  but  consonant  to  the  latter.  And  would  your 
inclination  suffer  you  to  live  agreeably  to  the  dictates  of 
your  own  understanding,  you  would  certainly  assume  a 
religious  character. 

' '  0  then  let  me  entreat  you  with  the  anxious  solicitude 
of  an  affectionate  brother,  seriously  to  weigh  the  conse- 
quences of  your  present  conduct.  You  know  that  you 
must  die,  why  then  will  you  not  employ  a  few  solitary 
thoughts  at  least,  upon  the  serious  concerns  of  this  solemn 
event?  Why  will  you  rush  upon  your  own  destruction 
in  spite  of  all  those  vast  and  weighty  considerations, 
which  solicit  your  attention,  and  cry  aloud  forbear !  Why 
will  you  go  counter  to  the  decision  of  your  own  sober 
judgment,  and  refuse  a  compliance  with  the  admonitory 
voice  of  conscience?  You  may,  perhaps  stifle  the  ac- 
cusation of  this  internal  monitor  for  a  season;  but,  be- 
lieve me,  my  brother,  your  triumph  will  be  short,  your 
peace  of  no  considerable  duration.  Conscience  will  soon 
awake.    She  will  have  a  hearing,  'Your  leave  unasked.'  " 


56  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

During  the  period  of  his  stay  at  college,  Mr.  Rice  still 
maintained  a  high  sense  of  obligation  to  God.  In  view 
of  the  divine  purity,  and  his  own  daily  imperfections 
he  sometimes  yielded  to  depressing  apprehensions  con- 
cerning his  own  spiritual  character.  Referring  to  the 
labours  to  which  he  expected  to  consecrate  his  life,  and 
the  danger  of  deception,  he  thus  writes  to  his  brother : 

"I  apprehend  that  unconverted  men  may  in  some  in- 
stances be  useful  preachers.  This  opinion  appears  to  be 
confirmed,  by  those  striking  and  very  solemn  words  of 
the  Saviour.  '  Many  will  say  unto  me  in  that  day,  Lord, 
Lord,  have  we  not  prophesied  in  thy  name,  and  in  thy 
name  cast  out  devils?  and  in  thy  name  done  many  won- 
derful works  ? '  Matt.  7 :  22.  These  will  probably  be  such 
as  have  really  been  useful,  have  not  only  entertained  hope 
that  they  were  friends  of  the  blessed  Jesus,  but  have 
laboured,  and  perhaps  have  been  quite  zealous  to  pro- 
mote religion.  But  how  awful  their  mistake!  and  how 
distressing  their  disappointment ;  to  be  rejected  of  that 
Saviour,  of  whose  kind  embrace,  and  gracious  reception 
of  them,  they  had  entertained  such  raised  expectations, 
such  fond  conceits,  such  lively  hopes.  Instead  of  this 
joyful  welcome  to  his  love,  to  hear  that  heart-rending 
sentence,  'Depart  ye  cursed?'  How  will  that  fearful 
word  rive  and  pierce  their  ghastly  souls!  Oh!  who  can 
endure  its  intolerable  pangs." 

In  other  letters  there  is  manifest  the  same  jealous  in- 
spection of  his  own  heart.  Frequently  he  uses  the  most 
forcible  language,  when  referring  to  the  depravity  of 
human  nature,  as  he  found  it  developed  in  the  com- 
parative weakness  of  his  faith  and  love.  Though  he  felt 
in  a  lively  degree  the  constraining  influence  of  a 
Saviour's  compassion,  and  evinced  strong  desires  after 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  57 

holiness  of  character;  and  though  indeed  he  had  at- 
tained an  eminent  measure  of  Christian  excellence,  yet 
when  he  entered  into  a  comparison  of  what  he  was,  with 
what  he  ought  to  be,  he  entertained  a  painful  sense  of 
deficiency.  Hence  the  self-loathing  expressions  he  em- 
ploys. This  impression  of  personal  unworthiness  may 
serve,  only  to  excite  ridicule  among  such  as  have  no  spir- 
itual discernment  of  God  and  his  truth.  But  those  who 
are  born  of  the  Spirit  are  prepared  to  understand  and 
bewail  the  deceit,  and  desperate  wickedness  of  the  heart. 
Beholding  the  incomparable  excellence  of  Jehovah,  and 
the  spirituality  of  his  law,  they  perceive  by  contrast  the 
exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin,  and  are  made  to  abhor  it 
as  they  find  it  in  their  own  character.  * '  I  am  a  man  of 
unclean  lips;"  was  the  confession  of  the  inspired  and 
devoted  Isaiah,  when  he  beheld  the  glory  of  the  King,  the 
Lord  of  hosts.  Another  servant  of  God,  whose  self- 
denial,  fervent  love,  and  untiring  zeal,  gave  proof  that 
he  was  honest  in  the  sacred  cause,  was  heard  to  exclaim, 
"0,  wretched  man  that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  from 
the  body  of  this  death ; ' '  and  at  the  very  time,  too,  when 
he  could  say :  "  I  delight  in  the  law  of  God  after  the  in- 
ward man." 

Concerning  the  Christian  deportment  of  Mr.  Rice, 
while  pursuing  his  collegiate  course,  there  remains  the 
most  pleasing  evidence.  The  biographer  has  frequently 
received  from  an  intelligent  and  pious  member  of  the 
family  in  which  he  boarded,  the  most  marked  commenda- 
tion of  his  piety.  It  was  as  regular  as  it  was  glowing. 
During  meals  and  other  intervals  of  leisure,  the  time  was 
usually  occupied  in  profitable  conversation.  Opportuni- 
ties were  embraced  of  giving  personal  warning  to  the 
impenitent,  and  of  rousing  to  action  the  lukewarm,  and 


58  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

formal  professor;  while  occasionally  he  appointed  and 
conducted  social  meetings  for  prayer  in  the  neighbor- 
hood. These  meetings  were  thought  to  have  been  of  es- 
sential service  to  many. 

Thus  wherever  he  was  found,  whether  within  the  col- 
lege walls,  in  the  family,  or  in  the  house  of  God,  a 
habitual  devotion  to  the  glory  of  his  Divine  Master  was 
manifest.  All  were  struck  with  the  uniformity  of  his 
character.  His  actions  at  all  times  were  rather  the  re- 
sult of  a  solemn  conviction  of  accountability  to  God,  than 
of  mere  impulses  of  feeling.  This  was  indicated  by  inter- 
course with  those  around  him,  and  in  all  his  correspond- 
ence by  letter.  In  a  communication  addressed  to  his 
brother,  in  1809,  he  adverts  to  a  habit  of  mind  which  we 
may  judge  was  happily  exhibited  by  himself. 

''This,"  he  remarks,  "is  a  hurrying  world,  and  those 
who  would  fulfil  the  part  properly  belonging  to  them, 
must  be  active.  No  moment  passes  but  has  its  appro- 
priate duty.  More,  however,  is  not  required  than  there 
is  a  sufficiency  of  time  for  performing ;  hence,  though 
diligence  unremitting  diligence,  and  vigorous  activity  are 
very  proper  and  our  indispensable  duty,  yet  there  is  a 
kind  of  engagedness,  and  a  hurry,  which  are  incompatible 
with  that  calmness  and  composure  of  mind,  which  reli- 
gion, and  reason  unitedly  inculcate.  All  hurry,  indeed, 
which  is  incompatible  with  that  gracious  serenity  of  soul, 
which  results  from  a  proper  attention  to  the  divine  gov- 
ernment in  all  things,  evidently  foolish  and  criminal.  '  Be 
still,  and  know  that  I  am  God, '  should  keep  creatures  in 
a  gracious  tranquillity  of  mind. 

"This  desirable  frame  is  equally  distant  from  negli- 
gent, unheeding  inactivity,  and  that  unpleasant  hurry, 
disconcertion,   and  fluttering   eagerness  which,   though 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RTCE  59 

violently  active,  hardly  knows  what  to  do  next.  Un- 
doubtedly, we  are  most  inclined  to  err  on  the  side  of 
sloth  and  unconcern ;  the  opposite  extreme,  however, 
should  be  avoided.  The  instances  indeed  are  not  unfre- 
quent,  in  which  there  is  a  zeal  which  is  not  according  to 
knowledge.  But  in  most  of  these  cases,  I  apprehend, 
there  is  not,  strictly  speaking,  too  much  zeal,  or  engaged- 
ness,  but  the  fault  is,  misapplication,  wrong  direction, 
owing  to  mistaken  views,  or  w^hat  is  worse  and  too  often 
the  case,  to  a  corrupt  disposition.  This  remark  I  con- 
ceive admits  of  a  general  application.  Worldly-minded 
persons,  whose  most  anxious  concern  seems  to  be  to 
gather  riches,  do  not,  perhaps,  generally  take  too  good 
care  of  their  worldly  interest;  but  they  do  this  from 
wrong  motives;  it  has  too  much  of  their  hearts.  And 
so  of  other  cases  which  might  be  mentioned. ' ' 

It  has  been  intimated  that  the  violent  hostility  of  Mr. 
Rice's  father  was  one  of  the  circumstances  which  con- 
tributed to  his  entrance  into  the  ministry.  He  had  now 
for  some  time  been  absent  from  the  home  of  his  child- 
hood, yet  early  and  fondly  cherished  attachment  to  his 
parents  was  not  effaced  from  his  heart.  He  loved  them 
as  ardently  as  ever.  While  at  college,  he  ascertained  that 
his  parents  were  about  to  leave  Northborough,  being 
compelled  to  make  sale  of  the  estate  which  had  long 
been  in  possession  of  the  family.  This  was  to  him  a 
source  of  deep  affliction.  In  reply  to  the  letter  which 
announced  the  fact,  he  thus  remarks: 

"Williams  College,  June  7,  1809. 

"Dear  Brother: — Inscrutable  are  the  ways  of  Provi- 
dence.   Several  years  since  I  formed  a  purpose  to  come 


60  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

into  possession  of  that  inheritance  which  father  has  now 
sold,  and  to  take  care  of  our  parents  in  their  declining 
years.  To  fulfill  this  office  of  filial  duty,  appeared  to 
me  on  several  accounts  desirable.  To  have  undertaken 
it,  would  have  been  perfectly  congenial  with  my  feel- 
ings. I  felt,  and  still  feel  grieved  to  see  parents  neg- 
lected as  they  are,  I  fear,  in  too  many  cases,  by  those 
children  who  have  the  care  of  them.  There  is  not,  I 
apprehend,  generally  manifested  by  children  in  such 
situations,  that  tenderness,  affection  and  kindness,  in  re- 
gard to  their  declining  parents,  which  there  ought  to  be. 
Perhaps  it  betrays  great  self-ignorance,  to  intimate  the 
probability  that  I  should  do  better  in  this  situation  than 
those  who  have  had  the  experience  of  it.  And  perhaps 
my  past  conduct  is  not  the  best  comment  upon  such  an 
intimation.  I  do,  however,  honestly  (unless  I  greatly 
deceive  myself)  express  what  have  been,  and,  indeed, 
what  still  are  my  feelings  upon  this  subject.  I  even  made 
a  tune  to  these  lines  of  Pope,  which  I  used  to  sing  at 
my  solitary  labours — 

'Me  let  the  tender  office  long  engage, 
To  rock  the  cradle  of  declining  age; 
Explore  the  thought,  explain  the  asking  eye, 
And  keep  awhile,  a  parent  from  the  sky.'  " 


CHAPTER   IV 

Increased  Desire  for  the  Promotion  of  the  Gospel — Zeal 
in  the  Mission  Cause — Views  on  French  Infidelity — 
Letters  on  Experimental  and  Practical  Religion — 
Licensed  to  Preach — Filters  Andover  Theological 
Seminary — Severe  Application  to  Study — Studies 
French  and  Syriac — Education  Completed. 

While  at  college,  Mr.  Rice  was  the  subject  of  deep 
concern  for  the  miserable  condition  of  those  who  were 
without  the  gospel.  The  desires  he  cherished  for  the 
salvation  of  sinners  before  he  left  his  father's  house  in- 
spired him,  even  then,  with  the  purpose  of  doing  all  he 
could  to  extend  the  knowledge  of  a  Saviour's  love 
throughout  the  earth.  This  purpose  was  strengthened 
and  matured  within  the  walls  of  the  institution,  and  be- 
fore he  closed  his  studies,  he  was  ready  at  the  bidding 
of  his  Master,  himself,  to  go  to  any  part  of  the  pagan 
world. 

The  letter  which  follows,  gives  pleasing  testimony  of 
the  zealous  interest  he  felt  in  the  mission  cause.  At  that 
time  no  efforts  had  been  made  by  the  American  churches 
to  propagate  the  gospel  in  foreign  lands.  The  object 
for  which  he  proposed  to  collect  funds,  was  the  moral 
and  spiritual  improvement  of  the  Indians  of  our  country. 
The  communication  is  addressed  to  his  brother. 

"March  18th,  1811. 

"Dear  Brother: — I  send  you  the  enclosed  constitu- 
tion and  address  of  the  Massachusetts  Missionary  So- 
ciety.    My  hope  is  that  you  will  sign  it,  and  use  your 

[61] 


62  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

endeavors  to  induce  others  to  sign  it  also.  Your  becom- 
ing a  member  will  be  more  serviceable  than  merely  giv- 
ing a  donation  yearly,  equal  to  what  the  tax  of  member- 
ship would  be.  This  will  increase  the  substantial  and 
corporate  strength  of  the  society,  and  this  again  will  add 
to  its  weight  and  respectability  of  character;  and  this 
again  will  be  likely  to  secure  a  further  increase  of  mem- 
bers, and  greater  extent  of  influence.  Did  I  deem  it 
needful,  I  should  apprehend  it  a  duty  to  press  this  mat- 
ter, as  I  could  entertain  no  suspicion  of  giving  offence 
in  so  doing.  But  can  it  be  necessary?  Can  I  do  other- 
wise than  conclude  that  you  are  as  ready  to  use  your  in- 
fluence to  promote  the  missionary  cause  as  I  am  to  pro- 
pose it?  It  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  urge  this  subject. 
The  command  to  'preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,' 
is  still  obligatory,  and  obligatory  on  the  Christian  world 
in  general.  But  certainly  it  does  not  become  us  to  be 
supinely  inactive.  '  What  do  ye  more  than  others, '  still 
follows  us.  Nor  can  we  compare  our  languor  and  negli- 
gence with  the  vigor  and  systematic  zeal  of  the  enemies 
of  Zion  without  blushing  in  view  of  the  comparison.  Must 
the  children  of  this  world  always,  and  in  every  respect 
almost,  be  wiser  in  their  generation  than  the  children  of 
light? 

*'But  what  shall  be  done?  If  there  was  some  indi- 
vidual of  respectable  character  in  each  town,  who  would 
take  upon  him  to  plead  in  behalf  of  Zion,  and  to  solicit 
on  her  behalf,  it  is  past  a  doubt  with  me,  that  much 
might  be  done.  Such  an  individual  might  induce  men 
to  become  members  of  some  missionary  society,  and 
should  take  upon  him  the  responsibility  of  collecting 
and  remitting  to  the  treasury  the  subscriptions  of  such 
members.    He  should  also  be  at  the  trouble  of  procuring 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  63 

Magazines  or  other  religious  publications,  for  such  as 
he  might  induce  to  take  them.  And  he  should  also  so- 
licit contributions  for  the  missionary  fund.  Such  con- 
duct would  not  probably  be  without  considerable  effect. 
Nor  would  the  people  be  injured,  though  some  of  their 
property  might  thus  be  parted  with ;  perhaps  in  some 
instances,  it  would  in  a  sense  be  extorted  from  them. 
Nay,  they  would  be  benefitted ;  for  '  he  that  giveth  to  the 
poor,  lendeth  to  the  Lord,  and  he  will  repay  it.' 

"People  are  none  the  poorer  for  giving  liberally  to 
benevolent  purposes.  The  liberal  soul  deviseth  liberal 
things,  and  by  liberal  things  shall  he  stand.  He  that 
soweth  sparingly  shall  reap  also  sparingly,  and  so  far  as 
my  observation  and  information  on  this  subject  extend, 
the  more  people  are  addicted  to  giving  in  such  ways,  the 
more  ready  they  are  to  give  more  and  more.  Were  such 
a  measure  extensively  and  systematically  adopted,  no 
doubt  the  effect  would  be  great  and  highly  beneficial; 
and  it  might  be  adopted,  were  it  not  for  the  lamentable 
coldness  and  supineness  of  Christians.  But  though  at 
present  there  is  no  hope  that  such  a  measure  may  become 
general,  yet  something  may  be  done  by  individuals.  And 
is  not  duty  in  the  case  extremely  plain?  I  have  here 
indicated,  as  you  may  perceive,  my  dear  brother,  with 
freedom,  though  but  briefly,  and  superficially,  the  course 
which  I  wish,  greatly  wish  you  to  pursue.  Having  done 
this,  I  leave  the  rest  to  your  discernment,  benevolence, 
piety,  and  conscience. ' ' 

In  connection  with  the  thoughts  expressed  above,  it 
may  not  be  improper  to  introduce  some  suggestions  in 
regard  to  a  sentiment  then  beginning  to  prevail  very  ex- 
tensively in  the  United  States.     The  philosophy  of  the 


64  MEMOIR  OF  EEV.  LUTHER  RICE 

French  school  at  one  time  threatened  serious  mischief 
to  our  institutions,  and  to  our  national  honor,  as  well  as 
to  the  individual  happiness  of  our  countrymen;  the 
reader  therefore,  cannot  fail  to  commend  the  judicious 
observations  made  by  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  On 
this  topic,  he  manifests  much  judgment  and  foresight. 
A  manly  indignation  was  excited,  that  these  senseless  and 
lascivious  doctrines  should,  for  a  moment,  find  currency 
among  our  citizens,  and  especially  with  any  of  acknowl- 
edged intellect  and  influence.  As  a  Christian  philosopher, 
he  discovered  not  only  the  folly  of  the  scheme,  but  its 
desolating  moral  tendencies;  and  though  comparatively 
young,  he  feared  not  to  lift  his  warning  voice  and  sound 
an  alarm.    In  a  letter  written  in  1811,  he  remarks: 

' '  I  have  lately  been  reading  '  Smith  on  the  Prophecies. ' 
I  think  he  has  improved  upon  Mr.  Faber  considerably. 
I  am  sure  you  will  be  pleased  with  it.  And  should  you 
purchase  a  volume,  which  you  may  do  in  Boston,  per- 
haps you  would  never  regret  it.  The  second  chapter,  I 
think,  must  operate  favorably  in  a  political  point  of  view. 
If  pious  people  will  look  at  the  evidence  which  is  there 
exhibited  of  the  progress  of  French  atheism  in  our  coun- 
try, it  must  fill  their  minds  with  painful,  alarming  ap- 
prehensions. Nor  can  I  easily  persuade  myself  that  they 
will;  I  see  not,  indeed,  how  they  can  continue  attached 
to  a  government  so  much  evidently  under  the  influence  of 
Bonaparte — of  French  atheism!  Taking  human  nature 
as  it  is,  we  can  pretty  readily  account  for  it,  that  de- 
lusion has  made  such  awful  progress  in  our  country,  and 
that  even  some  pious  men  should  be  led  on,  hoodwinked 
with  the  multitude.  Such  were  the  cruelties  of  the 
British  in  the  war,  and  such  at  that  time,  the  kindness 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  65 

of  the  French,  that  a  hatred  of  the  English,  and  love  of 
the  French  was  fixed  in  their  minds. 

"Through  their  baleful  influence,  they  view  every 
thing  still  in  regard  to  each  nation,  with  prejudice.  This, 
with  other  very  powerful  causes,  fastens  and  perpetuates 
their  miserable  delusions.  The  only  antidote  to  this 
fatal  poison,  is  correct  information.  Could  the  real  sub- 
stantial evidence  of  undisguised  fact,  penetrate  the  fatal 
tissue  which  has  so  long  entwined  and  shrouded  their 
understandings,  their  cure  would  be  effected.  Let  pious 
people  know  what  the  English,  for  a  course  of  years,  have 
been  doing  in  the  cause  of  religion  and  humanity,  the 
exertions  of  their  missionary  societies  to  extend  the  bless- 
ings of  the  gospel  to  the  heathen  nations,  and  they  will 
be  much  softened  in  their  feelings  towards  the  English ; 
their  prejudice  and  hatred  will  insensibly  lose  their 
grasp. 

' '  Let  them  at  the  same  time  have  a  view  of  the  horrid 
operations  of  atheism  in  France ;  the  extensive  plans  for 
the  absolute  destruction  of  Christianity;  the  hellish  in- 
genuity and  success  with  which  their  secret  machina- 
tions are  conducted;  know  that  the  French  government 
is  essentially  atheistic  in  principle,  that  it  has  atheistic 
clubs  completely  subservient  to  its  views;  that  there  are 
many  secret  societies  of  atheists  in  the  United  States; 
that  their  destructive  plans,  though  unseen,  are  ripening 
for  execution ;  that  retired  from  general  observation,  they 
are  forging  chains,  with  which,  with  invisible  hands,  they 
intend  to  bind  the  world.  Let  them  open  their  eyes  upon 
this  monster ;  surely  the  appalling  view  must  shock  their 
very  souls." 


66  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

Two  or  three  extracts  of  letters  will  now  be  inserted, 
expressive  of  his  sentiments  on  subjects  connected  with 
experimental  and  practical  religion.  They  evince  growth 
in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour 
Jesus  Christ.  Having  referred  to  the  declensions  to 
which  professing  Christians  are  subject,  he  proceeds: 
"Oh!  for  an  all-conquering  faith — to  enliven  desire — ^to 
chase  away  stupidity,  and  to  give  efficacy  to  prayer. 
But  what  should  we  do  when  we  feel  stupid  and  cold? 
Should  we  sit  still,  complaining  ?  Let  us  labour  to  enter 
into  that  rest,  lest  any  of  us  fall  after  the  example  of 
unbelief.  Let  us  not  sit  still  complaining  that  we  are  so 
cold  that  we  cannot  work;  but  let  us  arouse,  shake  off 
our  fetters,  and  set  about  our  labour,  doing  with  our 
might  whatsoever  our  hands  find  to  do.  And  ye,  beloved, 
build  yourselves  upon  your  most  holy  faith,  praying  in 
the  Holy  Ghost,  keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God,  look- 
ing for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal 
life. 

"I  believe  with  Newton  that  there  is  a  scriptural  dis- 
tinction between  grace  and  comfort.  He  observes,  that 
to  maintain  a  hatred  of  sin,  and  to  hold  on  in  the  path 
of  duty,  when  we  have  but  little  comfort,  may  be  a  more 
certain  evidence  of  grace,  than  many  things  we  may 
either  do  or  avoid  when  the  frame  of  our  spirits  is  more 
happy.  Baxter  would  have  Christians  spend  more 
thought  about  their  duty  than  their  comforts.  Be  care- 
ful to  study  and  practice  duty,  and  leave  it  with  God 
what  measure  of  comfort  to  bestow.  And  instead  of 
anxiously  doubting  whether  they  have  any  grace  at  all, 
spend  their  time  in  getting  more  grace.  Upon  this  prin- 
ciple, it  seems  that  doubts  are  sinful,  being  increased 
because  encouraged.    We  must  resist  the  devil  in  order 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  67 

to  make  him  flee  from  us."     On  another  occasion,  he 
thus  writes: 

"November  7,  1811. 

"Dear  Aunt: — I  have  but  a  moment  to  write,  yet 
cannot  refrain  from  sending  a  few  lines,  as  an  oppor- 
tunity presents  of  conveying  them  immediately.  I  regret 
that  I  could  spend  no  longer  time  with  you  when  I  was 
at  your  house.  Should  I  ever  have  the  pleasure  of  calling 
again,  I  hope  to  be  able  to  tarry  longer.  But  whether 
we  are  allowed  to  meet  again  on  earth  or  not,  may  we 
be  prepared  to  meet  in  heaven;  if  we  may  have  hope 
of  this,  surely  it  is  of  little  consequence  about  the  things 
of  this  present  evil  world ;  rather  let  me  say,  if  we  may 
have  grace  to  submit  unreservedly  to  the  will  of  our 
Heavenly  Father,  to  be  always  really  engaged  in  his 
delightful  service,  we  may  say  with  good  old  Jacob,  'It 
is  enough.' 

' '  Little  do  we  know  what  is  before  us  in  life.  It  is  an 
eventful  day  in  which  we  live.  The  plan  of  God  is  roll- 
ing on.  Its  results  will  be  glorious,  be  awful.  Saints 
will  be  purified,  and  received  to  everlasting  blessedness ; 
sinners  will  perish  in  total  despair!  And  yet  how  un- 
concerned are  most  people,  respecting  these  tremendous 
affairs.  Llany  indeed,  are  zealous  for  God,  engaged  in 
disseminating  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  But,  alas,  many 
more  are  zealous,  it  is  to  be  feared,  in  propagating  delu- 
sion. There  are  many  deceivers,  and  many  deceived ;  the 
old  serpent  is  playing  his  mischievous  game  of  treachery 
and  falsehood,  with  but  too  fatal  success  in  our  miserable 
world.  The  more  my  acquaintance  with  mankind  is  ex- 
tended, the  more  my  impressions  of  the  total  and  desper- 
ate depravity  of  the  heart  are  deepened;  the  more  my 


68  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

fears  that  many  who  make  pretensions  to  religion,  are 
deceiving  themselves.  Satan  transforms  himself  into  an 
angel  of  light ;  his  ministers,  into  ministers  of  righteous- 
ness ;  counterfeited  appearances  are  taken  for  real  grace ; 
the  love  of  self,  for  the  love  of  God. 

"I  do  greatly  fear  that  the  love  of  many  is  founded 
in  selfishness.  They  love  God  or  Christ,  because  they 
think  he  intends  to  save  them.  But  surely  if  an  appre- 
hension that  we  are  likely  to  be  saved,  is  the  reason  of 
our  loving  God,  it  is  easy  to  detect  the  entire  selfishness 
of  such  love.  Christ  himself  has  furnished  the  test,  by 
saying,  'sinners  love  those  that  love  them.'  But  who- 
ever is  deceived,  whoever  fails  of  the  grace  of  life,  still 
the  foundation  of  God  standeth  sure,  having  this  seal, 
the  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  his.  God  will  glorify 
himself,  either  in  our  salvation  or  condemnation.  But 
let  us  present  our  whole  selves  'a  living  sacrifice  unto 
him,  that  we  may  be  vessels  of  mercy  prepared  unto 
glory. '    Blessed  are  all  they  that  put  their  trust  in  him. ' ' 

Mr.  Rice  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Mountain  As- 
sociation, Berkshire  County,  Massachusetts.  A  period 
was  now  reached,  to  which,  for  several  years,  he  had 
been  looking  forward  with  feelings  of  intense  interest. 
To  preach  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed  God,  was, 
in  his  estimation,  an  employment  of  incomparable  impor- 
tance, and  to  go  forth  in  this  work  with  the  approba- 
tion of  his  brethren,  constituted  the  chief  desire  of  his 
heart.  It  had  been,  however,  determined  by  him  before 
he  engaged  wholly  in  the  ministry,  to  spend  some  time 
at  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary,  which  had  just 
then  gone  into  operation.  With  the  concurrence  and 
recommendation   of   the   President   of   the  College,   he 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  69 

joined  the  class  at  Andover,  in  the  middle  of  his  last 
collegiate  year.  By  this  arrangement  a  year  was  gained 
between  the  two  institutions ;  so  that  those  who  graduated 
a  year  before  him  at  the  college,  were  in  the  same  class 
with  him  at  the  Theological  School.  It  was  necessary, 
however,  that  he  should  sustain  an  examination  in  the 
whole  course  of  studies,  the  same  as  if  the  usual  time  had 
been  occupied.  This  was  true,  both  in  regard  to  the  col- 
lege, and  to  the  Theological  institution. 

Such  an  arrangement  demanded  the  severest  applica- 
tion to  study,  in  the  midst  of  which,  there  was  reason 
to  apprehend  the  prostration  of  his  physical  powers. 
During  the  winter  of  1810-11,  he  suffered  much  with  pain 
in  the  chest,  and  general  languor.  His  studies,  however, 
were  not  intermitted.  "I  hope,"  he  says  in  a  letter 
written  about  that  time,  ''that  as  the  spring  opens,  my 
health  will  be  confirmed,  that  I  may  pursue  with  in- 
creasing ardor  and  delight,  studies,  of  whose  importance 
my  mind  is  constantly  occupied  with  an  increasing  con- 
viction." Such  was  the  conception  entertained  of  the 
magnitude  of  that  office,  in  which  he  was  to  engage  for 
life,  that  he  could  not  be  willing  to  pass  through  the 
necessary  training,  without  giving  himself  entirely  to  its 
influence.  Although  he  had  long  panted  to  become  a 
herald  of  the  glad  tidings,  yet  the  varied  knowledge  of 
men  and  things,  and  especially  of  the  sacred  oracles 
necessary  to  commend  the  truth  to  every  man's  eon- 
science,  he  determined  to  obtain.  With  small  attain- 
ments, he  was  not  satisfied,  and  therefore,  the  most  rigid 
economy  was  practiced,  while  his  powers  of  mind  were 
tasked  to  the  utmost.  '*I  cannot,"  he  remarks  to  his 
brother,  "easily  bring  my  mind  to  harbor  the  idea  of 
intermitting  my  studies,  so  long  as  I  am  any  way  able 


70  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

to  prosecute  them.  So  far  from  suffering  any  abate- 
ment, even  when  health  from  day  to  day  declines,  my 
eagerness  for  acquisition  increases.  Instead  of  diminish- 
ing, I  am  constrained  to  enlarge  the  objects  of  attention. 

"Lately,  I  have  begun  the  study  of  the  French  lan- 
guage, and  also  of  the  Syriac.  Do  you  ask,  wherefore? 
With  respect  to  the  French,  not  to  mention  the  frequent 
quotations  of  it,  and  the  many  valuable  books  in  it,  which 
I  may  wish  to  read  possibly,  and  indeed,  not  very  im- 
probably. I  may,  some  time,  be  in  a  situation  to  need 
this  language  for  actual  communication  with  those  who 
speak  it.  With  respect  to  the  Syriac,  it  is  important  as 
a  source  of  biblical  criticism ;  the  more  so  since  the 
manuscripts  have  come  to  light,  which  Doctor  Buchanan 
has  discovered  in  the  East,  written  in  that  language. 

"In  addition  to  every  other  inducement  which  impels 
the  anxious  desire  to  grasp  an  extensive  fund  of  erudi- 
tion, the  painful  consciousness  of  the  very  scanty  pit- 
tance which  I  have  as  yet  obtained,  forms  one  of  no  in- 
considerable weight.  When  I  survey  the  acquisitions 
which  some  have  made ;  and  those  too,  who  seem  to  have 
been  actuated  by  no  better  principle  than  such  as  may 
be  found  in  the  unsanctified  heart,  I  am  at  once  inflamed 
with  an  ardour,  which  is  almost  overwhelming,  to  make 
advances  in  science." 

Having  sustained  a  good  examination  at  the  close  of 
the  term  in  September,  1811,  he  received  a  regular  dis- 
mission from  the  seminary,  with  a  view  to  the  entire  de- 
votion of  his  life  to  the  ministry,  and,  as  we  shall  here- 
after perceive,  especially  to  the  work  of  missions. 

It  ought  to  be  stated,  that  during  the  prosecution  of 
his  regular  academical  studies,  he  usually  devoted  his 
vacations  to  teaching  schools,  by  which,  he  not  only  ob- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  71 

tained  a  portion  of  the  means  necessary  to  complete  his 
education,  but  also  became  more  thorough  in  the  branches 
he  taught. 


CHAPTER    V 

Origin  of  Modern  Missions  in  England  and  America — 
Early  Feelings  of  Mr.  Bice  on  This  Subject — So- 
ciety of  Inquiry  on  the  Subject  of  Missions  Formed 
at  Williams  College — Terms  of  Admission — Fields 
of  Labour  Contemplated — Society  Originated  at 
A7idover  Seminary — Mr.  Judson's  Feelings  and  De- 
terminations in  Reference  to  Missions — Resolutions 
of  Several  to  Go  to  Some  Foreign  Field — Memorial 
to  General  Association — American  Board  of  Com- 
missioners for  Foreign  Missions  Formed — Impedi- 
ments to  Mr.  Rice's  Devotion  to  Missionary  Labour 
— These  Difficulties  Removed — Ordination — Sail  for 
India — Arrival  at  Calcutta — Sickness — Other  Trials. 

That  magnificent  results,  both  in  the  natural  and  moral 
world,  are  often  to  be  traced  to  apparently  unimportant 
circumstances,  is  a  trite  remark.  Its  very  triteness,  how- 
ever, proves  it  to  be  true.  It  is  usually  the  fact  that 
God  works  in  this  way.  In  the  unfoldings  of  his  will, 
he  does  not  so  much  surprise  by  the  direct,  sudden 
exertion  of  his  omnipotence;  but  operates  through  sec- 
ond causes,  and  by  a  gradual  process;  yet,  in  such  a 
manner  as  ultimately  to  call  forth  the  homage  of  grate- 
ful adoration.  It  is  seen  that  while  he  condescends  to 
employ  human  instrumentality,  he  is  not  dependent  upon 
it,  because  he  chooses  the  weak  things  of  the  world,  and 
things  that  are  not  apparent  in  the  accomplishment  of 
his  purposes. 

In  this  respect,  it  is  pleasing  to  review  the  history 
of  modern  missionary  operations  in  both  hemispheres. 

[72] 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  73 

That  mighty  influence  which  British  Christians  are 
now  exerting  on  many  portions  of  the  pagan  world  had 
its  origin  in  the  little  band,  of  which  Carey  was  the 
master  spirit.  When  he  came  from  his  retirement,  and 
with  this  motto  inscribed  upon  his  banner,  "expect  great 
things,  attempt  great  things,"  there  was  commenced  a 
system  of  offensive  war  against  the  strongholds  of  super- 
stition and  moral  darkness,  which  is  to  result  in  their 
entire  overthrow.  If  we  look  back  on  the  history  of  this 
benevolent  work  among  the  American  churches,  the  eye 
beholds  a  similarly  gratifying  spectacle.  A  few  young 
men  at  college  were  accustomed  to  meet  in  secret,  to  con- 
verse on  the  condition  of  the  heathen  world,  to  devise 
methods  of  sending  out  the  gospel,  and  especially,  to  in- 
voke the  direction  of  the  God  of  missions. 

From  that  praying  circle,  emanated  most  of  those 
grand  enterprises  in  this  country,  which  are  filling  the 
earth  with  gladness,  and  extending  the  empire  of  the 
Son  of  God. 

Of  that  little  circle,  the  subject  of  this  memoir  con- 
stituted a  prominent  member.  Some  difference  of  opin- 
ion has  existed,  respecting  priority  of  claim  to  the  honor 
of  originating  the  project  of  an  American  mission  to 
the  East.  In  the  discussion  of  this  subject  in  various 
periodicals,  there  has  been  allowed  an  undue  excitement 
of  feeling.  Of  vital  importance,  it  certainly  cannot  be, 
even  should  the  claim  in  favor  of  any  one  be  established. 
It  is  probable,  that  He  who  inspired  the  bosoms  of  these 
young  men  with  the  holy  impulse  to  bear  the  news  of 
salvation  to  distant  lands,  began  in  them  the  work  con- 
temporaneously. Or,  if  in  his  infallible  wisdom,  he  se- 
lected any  one  as  the  projector,  it  may  be  left  among 
the  hidden  things,  to  be  revealed  in  that  world  where 


74  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

envyings  and  unholy  emulations  are  unknown.  In  allud- 
ing to  the  earliest  feelings  of  interest  on  this  subject, 
with  Mr.  Rice,  a  strict  adherence  to  facts  will  be  main- 
tained, according  to  the  data  furnished  by  his  letters  and 
other  sources. 

A  communication  from  him  will  here  be  inserted,  in 
which  he  recommends  to  the  attention  of  a  friend  the 
subject  of  missions,  and  endeavors  to  enlist  his  sympa- 
thies in  behalf  of  pagan  lands.  It  is  in  reply  to  in- 
quiries respecting  the  best  method  of  doing  good  in  the 
cause  of  Christ.  The  magazine  referred  to  was  a  pe- 
riodical which  was  principally  devoted  to  missions  in 
our  own  country.    He  thus  remarks: 

**In  giving  you  my  thought  upon  the  subjects  which 
you  have  proposed,  I  will  suggest  a  way  in  which  it  ap- 
pears to  me  you  may  render  some  important  and  ac- 
ceptable service  to  your  blessed  Saviour ;  leaving  it,  how- 
ever, to  yourself  to  determine,  in  the  exercise  of  a  prayer- 
ful temper,  what  your  duty  is  in  your  particular  cir- 
cumstances. 

"I  have,  for  some  time,  viewed  the  missionary  inter- 
est as  being  inexpressibly  important.  Infinitely  impor- 
tant, because  the  salvation  of  many  immortal  souls  seems 
to  be  suspended  upon  it.  There  seems  to  be  no  other 
way  in  which  the  gospel  can,  according  to  the  present 
constitution  of  Divine  Providence,  he  conveyed  to  the 
numberless  millions  of  poor  perishing  heathen,  but  by 
missionary  labours.  I  do  not  mean  by  this  remark,  to 
limit  the  holy  one  of  Israel.  None  will  doubt  that  God 
can  convert  the  heathen  nations  by*  an  immediate  exer- 
tion of  his  Almighty  power,  without  using  means  or 
instruments.  With  infinite  ease  can  Almightiness  effect 
whatever  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness  dictate  to  be  done. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  75 

But  is  this  the  way  in  which  Deity  has  determined  to 
spread  the  gospel  of  his  glorious  grace  ?  What  has  been 
his  manner  of  operation  heretofore  ?  Very  evidently  has 
he  worked  by  means  and  instruments. 

"When  a  faithful  and  zealous  missionary  was  needed, 
to  'preach  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable  riches 
of  Christ,'  by  an  astonishing  display  of  sovereign  grace, 
he  converted  the  zealously  persecuting  Saul,  and  sent 
him  upon  this  important  business.  And,  if  in  those  days, 
there  were  need  of  missionaries,  or,  in  other  words, 
evangelists,  to  go  forth  among  the  heathen,  preaching 
to  them  the  gospel  of  peace,  which  bringeth  salvation, 
it  is  not  less  necessary  and  important  for  missionaries 
to  be  sent  among  them  now  in  order  to  their  conversion 
and  salvation. 

"This  seems  also  to  be  fully  evident  from  the  holy 
Scriptures.  The  great  apostle,  and  as  I  may  so  say, 
missionary  of  the  Gentiles,  reasons  thus:  'How  then 
shall  they  call  on  him  in  whom  they  have  not  believed? 
And  how  shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have  not 
heard?  And  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher? 
And  how  shall  they  preach  except  they  be  sent?'  Is 
not  this  reasoning  applicable  to  the  case  we  are  con- 
sidering? Does  it  not  fully  establish  the  propriety  and 
vast  importance  of  missionary  labours  ?  And  does  it  not 
follow  as  a  necessary  and  unavoidable  consequence,  that 
it  is  the  duty,  the  indispensable  duty  of  Christians,  to 
use  their  most  vigorous  exertions  to  encourage  and  pro- 
mote missionary  interests?  Let  them,  therefore,  awake 
from  their  slumbering  and  sloth.  Let  them  be  all  alive 
in  the  cause  of  the  blessed  Immanuel.  Let  them  feel  a 
tender  solicitude  for  the  salvation  of  their  fellow  sinners. 
And  let  those  who  dare  to  speak  against  the  missionary 


76  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

interests  beware,  lest  they  be  found  to  arraign  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  to  make  objections  directly  in  face  of  his 
holy  word;  or,  'lest  haply  they  be  found  to  fight  even 
against  the  eternal  Jehovah.' 

"You  desire,  my  friend,  to  do  something  for  your  Re- 
deemer. Agreeably  to  my  promise  to  suggest  a  way 
whereby  you  may  accomplish,  in  some  measure,  what 
you  desire,  let  me  ask,  can  you  not  by  some  means,  af- 
ford assistance  to  some  missionary  society.  You  are 
acquainted  with  the  Massachusetts  Missionary  Magazine. 
You  are  sensible  that  an  extended  circulation  of  this 
publication,  would  considerably  aid  the  benevolent  de- 
sign of  the  society.  Is  it  not  in  your  power  to  do  some- 
thing for  the  society  by  using  your  influence  to  enlarge 
the  circulation  of  this  magazine?  I  am  not  fully  ac- 
quainted with  your  circumstances,  but  I  conjecture  they 
are  such,  that  you  may  be  useful  in  this  way.  I  am  satis- 
fied for  myself,  that  the  magazine  might  be  much  more 
extensively  circulated  were  there  suitable  exertions  made 
use  of  for  this  purpose ;  and  it  appears  to  me,  an  object 
of  sufficient  magnitude  to  claim  the  attention,  not  only 
of  each  member  of  the  society,  but  of  every  individual  in 
the  Christian  public  who  feels  interested  in  the  success 
of  the  gospel. 

"I  cannot  but  wish  that  there  were  one  or  more  per- 
sons in  every  town,  who  would  use  their  exertions  in  this, 
or  if  they  could  discover  some  better  way  to  assist  the 
missionary  cause,  and  thus  do  something  towards  spread- 
ing the  glorious  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  I  have  known 
the  exertions  of  a  single  individual  avail  to  gain  more 
than  a  dozen  subscribers,  in  a  town,  where  probably, 
there  would  not  otherwise  have  been  a  single  one  taken. 
How  much  then  might  probably  be  done  in  this  way, 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  77 

and  in  various  other  ways,  to  promote  religion,  if  Chris- 
tians were  not  criminally  wanting  in  exertion?  Naj'', 
my  friend,  who  can  say  how  much  good  you  yourself 
may  effect,  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon  your  prudent, 
persevering,  and  vigorous  endeavors?  No  labour  can  be 
lost  that  is  done  with  a  sincere  view  to  glorify  God,  and 
enlarge  the  boundaries  of  his  holy  kingdom. 

"Be  careful  to  act  always  from  a  sense  of  duty,  and 
from  a  conviction  that  you  are  under  the  immediate  in- 
spection of  the  great  God,  who  will  shortly  summon  you 
before  his  awful  tribunal,  upon  which  solemn  occasion 
every  work  must  be  brought  into  judgment  with  every 
secret  thing,  whether  good  or  bad.  Be  penitent  and 
humble,  and  wait  upon  God  in  fervent  prayer,  and  he 
will  grant  you  that  wisdom  which  is  profitable  to  direct. 
May  God  of  his  infinite  mercy  shed  abroad  his  light  and 
love  in  our  hearts,  and  teach  us  to  know  and  do  his 
holy  will. ' ' 

Before  his  entrance  into  college,  he  was  the  subject  of 
deep  solicitude  for  the  salvation  of  the  heathen,  fre- 
quently referring  in  his  conversation  to  their  miserable 
state.  It  is  not  certain  that  any  distinct  impressions  of 
personal  obligation  to  labour  among  the  heathen  were 
entertained,  until  he  commenced  his  collegiate  studies  in 
1807.  That  very  soon  after  this,  such  impressions  were 
indulged,  is  clear,  from  statements  made  by  his  brother, 
then  his  most  intimate  correspondent,  and  from  his  own 
declaration,  frequently  made  in  after  life.  Said  he,  a 
little  subsequently  to  his  entrance  into  college,  "I  have 
deliberately  made  up  my  mind  to  preach  the  gospel  to 
the  heathen,"  and  added,  "I  do  not  know  but  it  may  be 
in  Asia. ' '  At  this  time,  Samuel  J.  Mills,  James  Richards, 
and  one  or  two  others  of  kindred  spirit,  were  members  of 


78  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

tlie  institution,  and  with  them  a  free  interchange  of 
thought  and  feeling  on  this  subject  was  indulged  in,  pro- 
ducing a  regard,  mutual,  tender  and  lasting. 

These  young  men,  as  before  hinted,  frequently  met  to 
consult  on  this  interesting  topic.  The  following  ques- 
tions were  brought  distinctly  before  their  minds. 
Whether  it  was  not  a  solemn  duty  of  those  who  have 
light,  to  transmit  it  to  those  who  have  it  not?  And  if 
so,  whether  it  was  not  obligatory  on  some  individual 
disciples  to  be  the  bearers  of  this  light?  Deciding  this 
in  the  affirmative,  it  was  still  farther  inquired,  upon 
whom  does  the  obligation  rest  ?  These  inquiries  led  them 
to  the  deliberate  conclusion,  that  under  the  divine  direc- 
tion and  with  the  divine  blessing  they  would  give  them- 
selves to  labour  for  Christ  in  heathen  lands.  They  saw, 
indeed,  no  immediate  prospect  of  effecting  their  designs. 
The  particular  field  to  which  they  might  go,  and  the 
method  of  operation,  were  to  them  alike  unknown ;  yet, 
pledging  themselves  to  God,  and  to  one  another  in  this 
holy  compact,  they  entertained  no  doubt,  that  he  who 
had  thus  far  led  them,  would  guide  them  into  the  path 
of  usefulness. 

More  effectually  to  carry  out  their  designs,  these  young 
men  formed  themselves  into  a  * '  Society  of  Inquiry  on  the 
subject  of  Missions,"  allowing  no  one  to  be  connected 
with  the  association  who  was  not  understood  to  be 
pledged  to  the  support  of  this  enterprise.  Each  mem- 
ber was  expected  to  give  himself  to  the  work,  by  bearing 
in  person  the  word  of  life  to  pagan  lands.  All  their 
sessions  were  held  in  secret.  No  one,  not  even  their  near- 
est friends,  was  apprised  of  the  existence  of  the  society. 
In  their  meetings,  which  were  regularly  convened,  they 
introduced  for  consideration,  the  various  portions  of  the 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  79 

globe  which  were  supposed  to  be  most  accessible,  con- 
templating their  peculiar  moral  condition,  their  manners 
and  customs,  with  whatever  might  constitute  peculiar  ob- 
stacles in  the  way  of  successful  effort.  These  too,  were 
seasons  of  special  prayer.  Together,  they  drew  near  to 
God.  Their  desires  for  more  of  the  spirit  of  Christ,  and 
for  divine  guidance  were  unitedly  presented,  while  they 
encouraged  and  stimulated  each  other  in  the  holy  race 
they  had  begun.  They  also  kept  up  a  personal  inter- 
course with  such  in  the  college,  and  corresponded  with 
such  at  a  distance,  as  might  be  supposed  to  sympathize 
with  them  in  these  feelings  of  entire  consecration  to  the 
cause  of  Christ.  Whenever  an  individual  was  found 
ready  to  employ  his  life  among  the  heathen,  he  was  ad- 
mitted into  the  society. 

The  fields  of  missionary  labour  chiefly  contemplated  by 
this  association  were  those  portions  of  our  country  oc- 
cupied by  the  Indians,  Greenland,  the  islands  of  the 
Pacific,  the  West  Indies,  and  sometime  the  regions  of  the 
East,  with  the  north  of  Europe.  Nothing  definite,  how- 
ever, was  determined  on  for  the  first  two  or  three  years. 
In  their  convocations,  Mr,  Rice  was  an  active  member, 
and  contributed  not  a  little  to  increase  the  devotion  and 
to  strengthen  the  purposes  of  his  brethren.  In  a  letter 
written  to  his  brother  in  the  early  part  of  1809,  he  thus 
refers  to  his  own  feelings  on  the  question  of  consecrat- 
ing himself  to  the  work  of  missions. 

"My  Dear  Brother: — Your  letter  of  February  23rd, 
I  received,  and  now  thank  you  for  it.  Your  remarks 
on  the  object  I  have  in  view,  should  God  spare  my  life 
a  few  years,  are  perfectly  coincident  with  my  own  re- 
flections upon  the  subject.     I  feel  vastly  inadequate  to 


80  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

the  solemn  undertaking;  but  still  cannot  relinquish  it. 
And  I  have  this  great  consolation:  God  often  chooses 
the  weak  things  of  this  world  to  confound  those  which 
are  mighty.  He  always  makes  use  of  such  instruments, 
as  will  most  evidently  manifest  that  the  power  is  all  of 
himself.  He  will  certainly  have  all  the  glory.  It  appears 
to  be  duty  for  some  to  carry  the  knowledge  of  Christ  to 
the  benighted  heathen.  The  gospel  must,  sooner  or  later, 
be  preached  to  all  nations.  The  heathen  are  the  inheri- 
tance of  our  blessed  Saviour ;  of  this  inheritance  he  will 
surely  take  possession.  In  bringing  to  pass  this  glorious 
event,  he  undoubtedly  uses  men  as  instruments  to  bear 
his  precious  name  to  benighted  tribes.  In  this  blessed 
work  I  hope  one  day  to  be  engaged.  To  separate  entirely 
(as  probably  will  be  the  case)  from  all  my  earthly  rela- 
tions, will  indeed,  be  painful.  But  of  how  much  weight 
can  this  be,  when  balanced  against  the  destruction  of 
immortal  souls?  For  this  separation,  I  wish  you  would 
endeavor  to  prepare  our  mother,  by  suggesting  occasion- 
ally, such  considerations  as  the  subject  naturally  fur- 
nishes. Her  feelings  will  no  doubt,  be  strongly  against 
my  going  to  the  heathen,  and  her  feelings  in  the  case, 
I  cannot,  I  ought  not  wholly  to  disregard. ' ' 

In  another  letter  written  in  the  latter  part  of  the  same 
year,  he  expresses  similar  feelings,  and  the  "hope  that 
a  sovereign  God  intends  to  send  him  forth  into  some 
part  of  the  heathen  world." 

It  is  a  remarkable  coincidence,  and  furnishes  satis- 
factory evidence  of  a  special  influence  from  above,  that 
about  this  time  feelings  of  a  similar  character  were  in- 
dulged by  two  or  three  young  men,  then  pursuing  a 
course  of  theological  study  at  Andover.  Nor  does  it  ap- 
pear that  they  had  received  any  intelligence  of  the  state 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  81 

of  things  at  Williams  College.  The  first  individual  at 
Andover  who  became  the  subject  of  this  influence  was 
Adoniram  Judson.  In  his  earliest  impressions,  he  found 
no  sympathy  among  the  members  of  the  institution ; 
those  who  M'ere  afterwards  his  companions  in  this  holy 
enterprise  had  not  then  joined  the  theological  class. 
They  entered  shortly  after,  and  having  mutually  di- 
vulged their  feelings,  and  receiving  soon  an  accession  of 
one  or  two  from  Williams  College,  they  formed  a  branch 
"Society  of  Inquiry,"  which,  like  the  other,  was  for 
some  time  kept  from  the  knowledge  of  all  who  were  not 
members. 

It  will  doubtless  be  gratifying  to  the  reader  to  receive 
a  particular  reference  to  some  of  these  facts ;  as  they  have 
been  furnished  from  the  pen  of  Mr,  Judson  himself. 
They  are  contained  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  Rice,  in 
reply  to  some  inquiries  which  had  been  made  on  the 
subject.    The  following  is  an  extract : 

"My  Dear  Brother  Rice: — You  ask  me  to  give  you 
some  account  of  my  first  missionary  impressions,  and 
then  of  my  early  associates.  Mine  were  occasioned  by 
reading  Buchanan's  Star  in  the  East,  in  the  year,  1809, 
at  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary.  Though  I  do  not 
now  consider  that  sermon  as  peculiarly  excellent,  it  pro- 
duced a  very  powerful  effect  on  my  mind.  For  some 
days,  I  was  unable  to  attend  to  the  studies  of  my  class, 
and  spent  my  time  in  wondering  at  my  past  stupidity, 
depicting  the  most  romantic  scenes  in  missionary  life, 
and  roving  about  the  college  rooms,  declaiming  on  the 
subject  of  missions.  My  views  were  very  incorrect,  and 
my  feelings  extravagant;  but  yet  I  have  always  felt 
thankful  to  God  for  bringing  me  into  a  state  of  excite- 


82  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

ment,  which  was  perhaps  necessary  in  the  first  instance, 
to  enable  me  to  break  the  strong  attachments  I  felt  to 
home  and  country;  and  to  endure  the  thought  of  aban- 
doning all  my  wonted  pursuits,  and  animating  prospects. 
That  excitement  soon  passed  away,  but  it  left  a  strong 
desire  to  prosecute  my  inquiries,  and  to  ascertain  the 
path  of  duty. 

"It  was  during  a  solitary  walk  in  the  woods,  behind 
the  college,  while  meditating  and  praying  on  the  subject, 
and  feeling  half  inclined  to  give  it  up,  that  the  com- 
mand of  Christ,  'Go  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the 
gospel  to  every  creature, '  was  presented  to  my  mind  with 
such  clearness  and  power,  that  I  came  to  a  full  decision, 
and  though  great  difficulties  appeared  in  my  way,  re- 
solved to  obey  the  command  at  all  events.  But  at  that 
period,  no  provision  had  been  made  in  America,  for  a 
foreign  mission,  and  for  several  months  after  reading 
Buchanan,  I  found  none  among  the  students  who  viewed 
the  subject  as  I  did,  and  no  minister  in  the  place  or 
neighborhood,  who  gave  me  any  encouragement;  and  I 
thought  I  should  be  under  the  necessity  of  going  to  Eng- 
land, and  placing  myself  under  foreign  patronage. 

''My  earliest  missionary  associate  was  Nott,  who, 
though  he  had  recently  entered  the  seminary  (in  the 
early  part  of  1810),  was  a  member  of  the  same  class 
with  myself.  He  had  considered  the  subject  for  several 
months,  but  had  not  fully  made  up  his  mind.  About 
the  same  time,  Mills,  Richards,  and  others  joined  the 
seminary  from  Williams  College,  where  they  had  for 
some  time  been  in  the  habit  of  meeting  for  prayer,  and 
conversation  on  the  subject  of  missions;  but  they  entered 
the  junior  class,  and  had  several  years  of  theological 
study  before  them.    You  were  of  the  same  standing,  but 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  83 

from  some  engagement  (a  school  I  believe)  did  not  ar- 
rive so  soon,  though  you  ultimately  finished  your  course 
before  the  others,  and  joined  the  first  party  that  em- 
barked. Newell  was  the  next  accession  from  my  own 
class. 

"As  to  Hall,  he  was  preaching  at  Woodbury,  Conn. 
I  heard  that  he  once  thought  favorably  of  missions,  and 
wrote  him  a  short  letter.  He  had  just  received  a  call  to 
settle  in  that  place,  and  was  deliberating  whether  it  was 
his  duty  to  accept  it  or  not,  when  the  letter  was  put  into 
his  hand.  He  instantly  came  to  a  decision,  and  the  next 
rising  sun  saw  him  on  the  way  to  Andover.  I  think 
that  he  arrived  about  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Association  of  Ministers,  at  Bradford,  in  the 
summer  of  1810.  I  do  not,  however,  recollect  him  pres- 
ent at  that  meeting,  nor  was  his  name  attached  to  the 
paper  which  was  originally  signed  by  Nott,  Newell,  Mills, 
Rice,  Richards,  and  myself ;  though,  at  the  suggestion  of 
Doctor  Spring,  your  name  and  Richards',  which  hap- 
pened to  stand  last,  were  struck  off,  for  fear  of  alarming 
the  association  with  too  large  a  number. 

"I  have  ever  thought  that  the  providence  of  God  was 
conspicuously  manifested  in  bringing  us  all  together  from 
different  and  distant  parts.  Some  of  us  had  been  con- 
sidering the  subject  of  missions  for  a  long  time,  and  some 
but  recently.  Some,  and  indeed,  the  greater  part,  had 
thought  chiefly  of  domestic  missions,  and  efforts  among 
the  neighboring  tribes  of  Indians,  without  contemplat- 
ing abandonment  of  country,  and  devotement  for  life. 
The  reading  and  reflection  of  others  had  led  them  in  a 
different  way;  and  when  we  all  met  at  the  same  semi- 
nary, and  came  to  a  mutual  understanding  on  the  ground 
of  foreign  missions  and  missions  for  life,  the  subject  as- 


84  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

sumed  in  our  minds,  such  an  overwhelming  importance 
and  awful  solemnity,  as  bound  us  to  one  another,  and 
to  our  purpose  more  firmly  than  ever.  How  evident  it  is, 
that  the  spirit  of  God  had  been  operating  in  different 
places  and  upon  different  individuals,  preparing  the  way 
for  those  movements  which  have  since  pervaded  the 
American  churches,  and  will  continue  to  increase,  until 
the  kingdoms  of  this  world  become  the  kingdoms  of  our 
Lord  and  of  his  anointed." 

Referring  to  this  eventful  period  in  a  letter  to  a  friend, 
Mr.  Rice  observes:  "After  the  Society  of  Inquiry  at 
Andover  was  well  established,  the  views  of  the  brethren 
were  turned  very  much  towards  the  East.  Judson  was 
the  first,  as  far  as  I  know  who  mentioned  Burmah.  He 
had  read  Buchanan's  'Star  in  the  East,'  his  'Christian 
Researches  in  Asia,'  and  'Captain  Simon's  Embassy  to 
Ava.'  He  insisted  that  the  East  afforded  much  the 
widest  and  most  promising  field  for  missionary  exer- 
tions, and  that  the  path  of  duty  led  in  that  direction. 
Six  months  after  Mills  and  Richards  joined  the  Theologi- 
cal Institution  at  Andover,  it  occurred  to  me  (always 
pushing  forward)  that  by  leaving  half  a  year  behind  at 
college,  and  joining  half  a  year  in  advance  at  Andover, 
I  could  save  a  year  between  the  two ;  and  yet,  by  diligent 
application,  accomplish  the  studies,  so  as  to  sustain  the 
requisite  examinations  with  my  class-mates  in  both  in- 
stitutions, which,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  president, 
and  his  recommendation,  was  carried  into  effect,  and  I 
became  connected  with  those  at  Andover,  who  were  a 
year  before  me  at  Williams  College.  Here,  I  became 
acquainted  with  Judson;  but  chiefly  in  the  meetings  of 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  85 

the  secret  society,  as  he  was  but  little  at  Andover  after 
I  entered  that  seminary. 

"In  June,  1910,  Gordon  Hall,  who  had  been  preach- 
ing for  some  time,  and  who  had  been  invited  to  become 
the  pastor  of  a  church  in  Connecticut,  came  to  Andover 
to  consult  with  the  professors,  whether  he  ought  not  to 
hold  himself  devoted  to  missionary  labour  among  the 
heathen,  (0!  how  I  love  to  trace  important  results  to 
minute  incidents.)  It  happened  to  be  but  a  day  or  two 
before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Association  of  all  the 
evangelical  part  of  the  ministers  of  Massachusetts,  at 
Bradford,  where  the  parents  of  Ann  Haseltine  lived, 
ten  miles  from  the  Institution,  in  Andover. 

The  coming,  and  object  of  the  coming  of  Hall,  so  en- 
livened the  missionary  sentiments  and  feelings,  particu- 
larly in  the  bosoms  of  the  members  of  the  Society,  that 
Judson  immediately  wrote  the  memorial  which  you  see 
in  the  memoirs  of  Mrs.  Judson,  addressed  to  that  body  of 
ministers,  which  was  subscribed  in  the  first  instance, 
Adoniram  Judson,  Jr.,  Samuel  Nott,  Jr.,  Samuel  J. 
Mills,  Samuel  Newell,  James  Richards,  Luther  Rice.  The 
last  two  names  were  subsequently  taken  off  from  a  fear 
that  the  appearance  of  so  many  under  such  impressions 
of  mind,  when  nothing  had  been  previously  known  of  this 
matter,  not  even  by  the  professors,  whose  pupils  thus 
suddenly  burst  forth  in  an  attitude  so  peculiar,  should 
create  something  of  the  nature  of  alarm,  as  if  some  kind 
of  fanaticism  had  seized  the  minds,  all  at  once  of  the 
young  ministers. 

*'The  association  appointed  a  committee,  to  whom  the 
memorial  was  referred,  and  who  reported  favorably;  in 
consequence,  nine  commissioners  were  appointed  by  the 
same  body,  five  of  Massachusetts,  and  four  of  Connecti- 


86  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

cut,  who  met  in  Connecticut  in  September  of  the  same 
year,  and  formed  the  Constitution  of  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions.  This 
body,  which  thus  emanated  from  that  little  secret  society 
of  youth,  formed  at  Williams  College,  in  1807  (of  which 
I  esteem  it  the  happiest  point  in  all  my  life  to  have  been 
one  of  the  original  members),  now  embraces  the  entire 
Congregational  and  Presbyterian  denominations,  and  em- 
ploys from  a  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  to  two  hundred 
thousand  dollars  annually,  in  their  missionary  exertions. 
From  this,  arose  the  Baptist  General  Convention,  formed 
in  1814;  and  since,  more  or  less  distinctly  out  of  the  same 
range  of  evangelical  influence,  the  American  Bible  So- 
ciety, the  American  Tract  Society,  the  Baptist  General 
Tract  Society,  the  Columbian  College,  the  Newton 
Theological  Institution,  and  I  know  not  how  many  other 
things  of  more  or  less  importance.  Glory  be  to  God! 
attempt  great  things — expect  great  things. ' ' 

The  above  extract  brings  the  reader  to  an  important 
crisis  in  the  history  of  Mr.  Rice.  "While  none  can  fail 
to  perceive  the  leadings  of  an  all-wise  Providence  in 
these  events,  it  is  interesting  to  note  the  prevailing 
sentiments  which  animated  his  bosom  and  impelled  him 
forward  in  the  almost  untried  path  he  had  begun  to 
tread.  It  was  not  the  spirit  of  mere  worldly  adventure, 
nor  the  impetuosity  of  deluded,  blinded  fanaticism;  the 
former  did  not  actuate  him,  for  worldly  interests  were 
about  to  be  surrendered ;  and  too  much  soberness  of  cal- 
culation had  been  indulged  to  allow  the  latter. 

The  great  principle  by  which  he  was  moved  derived 
its  existence  from  heaven,  and  was  first  exemplified  in 
the  character  of  Christ,  who,  "though  he  was  rich  for 
our  sakes,  became  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty, 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  87 

might  be  rich."  It  was  the  principle  of  disinterested 
philanthropy.  He  saw  the  world  in  ruins.  His  divine 
Master  had  proposed  a  plan  of  recovery,  and  commanded 
that  this  plan  should  be  promulgated  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth.  A  deliberate  conviction  of  duty  gave  birth  to 
the  purpose  he  had  formed,  and  stimulated  him  to  the 
fulfilment  of  his  vows.  He  could  not  be  thrown  back  by 
any  impediments  which  carnal  ease  or  worldly  policy 
might  throw  in  his  way.  Believing  that  the  project  was 
practicable,  and  indeed,  that  it  was  divinely  originated, 
and  would  be  divinely  sustained,  he  cast  all  fear  behind, 
and  pursued  his  way.  It  was  not  material  with  him 
either,  whether  success  at  once  crowned  the  effort.  ' '  The 
issues  of  patient  and  persevering  industry,"  he  remarked 
to  his  brother,  "have  been,  in  countless  instances,  truly 
astonishing.  What  object  almost  may  not  be  accom- 
plished, if  pursued  with  a  zeal  which  is  determined  upon 
success,  and  which,  never  for  a  moment,  harbors  the  idea 
of  abandoning  its  aim?  The  enemies  of  the  cross  are 
diligent  and  able  in  devising  schemes,  and  indefatigable 
in  their  efforts  to  subvert  the  foundation  of  our  hopes 
beyond  the  grave.  Their  adroitness,  perseverance  and 
energy  are  indeed,  almost  incredible.  Nothing  but  the 
badness  of  their  cause,  and  the  omnipotence  of  the  power 
against  whom  their  hostility  is  directed,  could  deprive 
them  of  victory,  and  insure  their  final  defeat  and  ruin; 
must  the  children  of  this  world  always,  and  in  every  re- 
spect almost,  be  wiser  than  the  children  of  light  ? ' ' 

But  to  return  to  the  narrative.  Mr.  Rice  was  not  ap- 
pointed at  the  same  time  with  Judson  and  his  compan- 
ions. When  Mr.  Judson  returned  from  England,  having 
been  sent  thither  to  confer  with  the  London  Missionary 
Society,  by  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners,  it 


88  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

was  determined  by  the  last  named  body  to  send  out, 
under  their  special  patronage,  the  four  young  men  whose 
names  were  signed  to  the  petition.  There  were  for  a 
time,  impediments  in  the  way  of  Mr.  Rice,  which  were 
likely  to  hinder  him  from  joining  his  brethren  in  the 
work  of  preaching  Christ  to  the  heathen.  One  source 
of  embarrassment  to  his  own  mind  consisted  in  a  strong 
attachment,  mutually  indulged,  between  himself  and  a 
young  lady  of  piety,  and  of  highly  respectable  connec- 
tions, and  whose  mind,  long  oscillated  respecting  her 
duty  to  leave  this  country.  While  he  was  deeply  solici- 
tous to  engage  in  missionary  labour,  he  felt  alike  unwill- 
ing to  violate  the  sacred  pledges  which  had  been  given 
to  the  object  of  his  affections,  and  reluctant,  even  with 
her  consent,  to  yield  to  a  separation.  For  a  time  he 
hoped  she  might  be  willing  to  share  with  him  in  the 
perils  and  privileges  of  the  mission ;  but  at  length,  a  dis- 
tinct negative  was  given  to  the  question,  releasing  him 
from  all  engagements  with  her,  provided  he  should  de- 
termine to  go.  After  many  painful  thoughts  on  the 
subject,  he  resolved  to  take  up  the  cross,  deny  himself, 
and  follow  his  Lord. 

He  thus  expresses  his  feelings  on  the  subject  immedi- 
ately after  Mr.  Judson  's  return  from  England : 

' '  Brother  Judson  has  returned  from  Europe  and  filled 
our  hearts  at  Andover  with  gladness.  He  was  detained 
in  France  about  three  months,  and  finally  obtained  a 
passport  for  England.  He  arrived  in  London  the  day 
before  the  anniversary  of  the  London  Missionary  So- 
ciety ;  was  very  cordially  received  there,  and  after  a  stay 
of  six  weeks  in  that  country,  returned  to  America.  He 
will  embrace  the  first  opportunity  of  a  passage  to  India. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RTCE  89 

The  London  Society  have  engaged  to  support  four  mis- 
sionaries, if  they  please  to  go  out  from  this  country 
under  their  direction.  Perhaps  two  only  of  the  breth- 
ren will  go  at  first,  if  an  opportunity  shall  occur  soon 
under  the  direction  of  the  London  Society;  and  two  or 
three  others  by  the  next  opportunity,  under  the  patron- 
age of  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  For- 
eign Missions. 

"The  field  for  missionary  labour  in  the  East  is  great; 
the  call  for  missionaries,  pressing,  and  the  prospect  of 
success,  hopeful  and  animating  to  a  very  high  degree. 
If  I  know  my  own  feelings,  dear  brother,  I  wish  I  was 
already  in  that  country.  However,  what  may  be  al- 
lotted for  me  in  the  determination  of  Providence,  I  know 
not.  At  present,  my  calculations,  convictions,  and  feel- 
ings, point  decisively  towards  missionary  ground," 

Writing  to  his  brother  about  this  time,  he  says :  '  *  Dur- 
ing some  parts  of  the  year  past,  I  have  considerably 
hesitated  upon  this  subject.  Not  for  a  moment,  how- 
ever, have  I  felt  that  it  was  not  my  duty  to  go  on  a 
mission.  Various  considerations  have  operated  to  induce 
hesitation  and  indecision;  and  frequently,  the  conflict 
in  my  breast  has  been  exceedingly  distressing.  My  mis- 
sionary brethren  have  always  conversed  as  if  I  was  going 
with  them;  and  I  have  rarely  been  able  to  hold  for  a 
moment  an  opposite  language.  At  times,  duty  has 
seemed  to  be  clear,  and  I  have  felt  devoted  to  this  cause. 
Those  seasons  have  been  always  happy  ones.  For  some 
time  past,  my  mind  has  been  more  than  usually  exer- 
cised upon  this  subject.  The  question,  why  shall  I  not 
go  to  the  heathen?  I  have  not  been  able  to  dispose  of. 


90  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

But  I  hope  the  season  of  hesitation,  of  doubt  and  per- 
plexity, is  now  past." 

Relieved  from  the  agitation  and  suspense  created  by 
the  circumstances  just  referred  to,  another  serious  ob- 
stacle to  the  accomplishment  of  his  wishes  presented 
itself  in  the  limited  resources  of  the  Board  to  sustain 
him  as  their  missionary.  In  the  meantime,  arrange- 
ments were  making  for  the  departure  of  his  brethren  to 
India.  He  could  no  longer  smother  the  holy  fire  which 
was  burning  in  his  bosom,  and  although  the  probabili- 
ties were  all  unfavorable,  he  resolved  to  make  a  desperate 
effort,  by  appealing  to  the  sympathies  of  the  Board,  and 
offering  himself  as  their  missionary. 

Speaking  of  the  meeting  at  which  he  and  his  fellow 
labourers  were  appointed,  Mr.  Judson  remarks :  ' '  Brother 
Rice  accompanied  me  to  that  meeting,  and  was  perfect- 
ly ready  to  offer  himself  to  the  Board,  but  we  thought 
it  unadvisable,  as  he  had  expected  to  remain  another 
year  in  the  seminary.  His  feelings,  however,  became 
warmer  and  stronger  in  the  course  of  a  few  months,  so 
that  he  took  his  dismission  from  the  seminary,  which  the 
regulations  then  allowed,  and  a  short  time  previous  to 
our  embarkation,  petitioned  the  presidential  committee 
for  leave  to  join  us.  They  gave  him  leave,  on  condition 
that  he  would  occasion  them  no  additional  expense,  but 
provide  for  his  own  outfit,  and  raise  the  money  for  his 
passage.  With  this  hard  condition,  he  cheerfully  com- 
plied, and  immediately  started  on  horseback,  and  traveled 
day  and  night,  though  in  the  depth  of  winter,  to  raise 
the  needful  sum,  and  then  hastened  to  Philadelphia  to 
join  the  party  which  sailed  from  that  port." 

This  statement  is  in  conformity  with  the  relation  as 
given  by  Mr.  Rice  himself,  written  in  a  letter  to  a  friend. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  91 

He  says :  ' '  This  matter  was  adjusted  only  eleven  days 
previously  to  the  day  of  ordination.  The  presidential 
committee  were  not  authorized  to  appoint  or  accept  a 
missionary;  and  it  was  owing,  therefore,  entirely  to  an 
intenseness  of  feeling  which  could  neither  be  restrained 
by  myself,  nor  resisted  by  the  committee,  that  I  was 
enabled  to  force  my  way  through  the  almost  insuperable 
difficulties  of  the  case,  so  as  to  go  to  India  at  that  time. 
I  had  to  provide,  by  begging,  the  funds  for  my  outfit, 
passage,  &c.  and  all  this  in  the  space  of  nine  days ; 
for  two  of  the  eleven  passed,  before  I  learned  that  the 
day  for  ordination  had  been  fixed  upon.  Three  more 
were  consumed  in  agonizing  and  successful,  successful 
only,  because  agonizing  efforts  with  the  presidential  com- 
mittee, leaving  only  six  days  to  provide  the  necessary 
funds.  By  the  signal  aid  of  Providence  this  was  ef- 
fected." 

The  ordination  of  Mr.  Rice  and  his  associates  took 
place  at  the  Tabernacle  Church,  Salem,  Mass.,  on  the 
6th  of  February,  1812.  This  was  a  scene  never  to  be 
forgotten  by  those  who  witnessed  it.  Its  results  will  be 
felt  in  the  well-being  of  distant  tribes,  and  of  remotest 
generations.  Mr.  Rice  speaks  of  it  in  his  journal,  as 
being  to  him,  an  occasion  most  solemn  and  interesting, 
although  he  was  worn  down  with  fatigue  and  agitation 
of  mind.  Immediately  after  the  ordination,  he  gave  the 
parting  hand  to  his  brother  Asaph,  and  the  next  day, 
was  engaged  in  making  preparations  for  his  departure 
to  Philadelphia,  from  which  place  the  vessel  was  to  sail 
for  the  East.  In  tearing  away  from  the  many  dear 
friends,  he  represents  himself  as  feeling  most  keenly, 
especially  on  account  of  the  anguish  of  spirit  exhibited 
by  them;  so  that  he  could  adopt  the  language  of  the 


92  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

apostle:  "What  mean  ye  to  weep  and  to  break  my 
heart,"  &e. 

On  the  14th  of  the  month,  he  reached  Philadelphia, 
and  in  company  with  Messrs.  Hall  and  Nott,  was  en- 
gaged until  the  18th,  in  making  preparations  for  the 
voyage;  especially  in  visiting  ministers,  and  other 
benevolent  individuals,  and  attending  meetings  for  the 
purpose  of  awakening  an  interest  on  the  behalf  of  the 
mission  cause.  He  refers  in  his  diary  to  a  prayer  meet- 
ing, of  which  public  notice  had  been  given,  and  which 
was  very  numerously  attended  by  ministers  of  different 
denominations,  and  members  of  the  various  churches. 
The  mission  was  most  devoutly  committed  to  the  gracious 
care  of  the  great  head  of  the  church,  and  a  collection 
taken.  He  says:  "The  attention  paid  to  the  mission 
by  the  Philadelphians,  and  the  deep  interest  they  ap- 
peared to  take  in  its  success,  excite  emotions  which  lan- 
guage cannot  well  express.  The  most  of  the  succeeding 
night  I  spent  in  writing  letters." 

He  thus  writes  to  his  brother : 

"Philadelphia,  February  15,  1812. 

'  *  Dear  Brother  : — When  I  parted  with  you  in  Salem, 
I  expected  to  sail  from  that  place.  It  was  determined 
that  evening  that  I  should  come  here,  and  that  Mr. 
Newell  should  go  in  the  Caravan,  from  Salem.  This 
arrangement  was  made  for  the  sake  of  Mrs.  Judson ;  as 
she  must  otherwise  have  gone  this  long  voyage  without 
any  female  companion.  I  passed  through  Northborough 
on  Saturday,  but  being  in  the  stage,  was  not  able  to  call 
on  my  friends.  After  much  fatigue,  I  reached  this  place 
yesterday.    I  expect  to  go  on  board  the  ship  Harmony, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  93 

next  Tuesday,  for  India.  With  pleasure  I  leave  Amer- 
ica, in  the  hope  of  carrying  the  gospel  to  those  who  are 
perishing  for  lack  of  vision.  Whether  I  shall  ever  visit 
my  native  country  again,  is  uncertain.  The  probability 
is,  that  I  shall  not.  This  is  not  material.  Of  very  little 
consequence  it  must  be  where  we  are  on  earth,  if  we  are 
prepared  for  a  better  world.  Dear  brother,  let  us  keep 
heaven  much  in  view." 

They  left  Philadelphia  on  the  18th,  in  a  packet,  as 
the  Harmony,  in  which  they  were  to  sail  to  India,  had 
previously  dropped  down  to  Newcastle.  Many  were  as- 
sembled to  witness  their  departure.  The  next  day,  they 
went  on  board  the  ship,  but  the  wind  not  proving  favor- 
able, they  did  not  sail  until  Monday,  the  24th  of  the 
month,  at  which  time  they  bade  adieu  to  the  land  of 
Christian  privileges,  and  bore  away  towards  the  regions 
of  idolatry,  to  occupy  which,  had  long  been  an  object 
of  ardent  desire  and  supplication.  The  missionary 
family  consisted  of  Messrs.  Johns  and  wife ;  Lawson,  wife 
and  child;  with  Miss  Chaffin,  and  their  nurse,  who  had 
been  sent  out  by  the  English  Baptist  Missionary  Society, 
and  Messrs.  Hall,  Nott,  and  Rice,  of  the  American 
Board.  Messrs.  Judson  and  Newell,  with  their  wives, 
sailed  from  Salem  on  the  19th  of  the  same  month. 

Nothing  materially  interesting  occurred  during  the 
voyage.  On  the  8th  of  June,  they  arrived  at  the  Isle 
of  France,  and  remained  there  about  twenty  days.  From 
interviews  frequentlj^  had  with  Mr.  Thompson,  an  Eng- 
lish chaplain  at  that  place,  and  the  representations  made 
by  him,  they  were  sometimes  almost  ready  to  decline  the 
idea  of  a  location  in  India,  but  felt  it  their  duty  to  pro- 
ceed on  their  voyage,  and  examine  for  themselves  all  the 


94  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

bearings  of  the  question,  by  a  personal  observation  of 
the  difficulties  in  their  way.  On  the  10th  of  August, 
they  reached  Calcutta,  and  having  gone  ashore,  had  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  Mr.  Judson,  who,  with  the  other  mis- 
sionaries on  board  the  Caravan,  had  arrived  about  the 
middle  of  June.  During  the  voyage  from  the  Isle  of 
France,  the  health  of  Mr.  Rice  was  seriously  affected; 
at  the  time  of  his  arrival,  he  had  become  quite  reduced 
and  feeble. 

While  in  Calcutta,  the  mission  band  were  subjected  to 
painful  perplexities,  arising  from  the  stern  opposition 
of  the  East  India  Company,  and  of  the  government,  to 
the  occupancy  of  any  station  within  their  jurisdiction. 
They  had  not  long  been  there,  when  a  peremptory  order 
was  issued  for  their  return  to  this  country,  and  after- 
wards, for  their  passage  to  England  in  the  British  fleet. 
But  this  order  was  evaded  by  the  determination  to  take 
passage,  as  early  as  practicable,  for  the  Isle  of  France, 
with  the  hope  of  ascertaining  from  that  point,  some  in- 
viting field  of  labour  which  they  might  usefully  occupy. 
In  the  meantime,  Mr.  Rice  had  been  brought  to  the  bor- 
ders of  the  grave,  by  a  painful  and  lingering  disease  of 
the  liver.  This  sickness,  in  conjunction  with  the  uncer- 
tainty of  his  future  destination  as  a  missionary  of  the 
cross,  proved  a  severe  trial  to  his  faith.  But  he  was  not 
forsaken  by  his  heavenly  friend.  Despondency  was  never 
indulged,  not  even  in  the  darkest  hour.  He  felt  a  per- 
fect satisfaction  in  leaving  all  events  under  the  control 
of  infinite  wisdom  and  love ;  believing  that  he  was  in  the 
path  of  duty,  and  that  all  things  would  work  together 
for  good  to  him  and  to  the  cause  which  he  had  espoused. 
"What  may  be  before  me,"  he  remarks,  in  a  letter  writ- 
ten to  his  brother  about  this  period,   "through  what 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  95 

scenes  of  difficulty  and  distress  I  may  pass,  or  where 
I  may  find  a  fixed  residence,  should  this  be  the  case,  I 
know  not,  nor  am  I  anxious  to  know.  To  endeavor  to 
extend  the  knowledge  of  Christ  among  the  heathen,  is 
undoubtedly  right.  It  is  the  Lord's,  not  mine,  to  de- 
termine whether  such  endeavors  shall  be  successful.  To 
him  would  I  cheerfully  commit  myself,  my  brethren, 
and  the  missionary  cause." 


CHAPTER   VI 

Change  of  Sentiment — Previous  Controversy  on  the 
Subject  of  Baptism — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson  Baptized 
— Letter  on  This  Subject — Letter  to  Board  of  Com- 
missioners— Baptism — Opposition — Defense  of  Mo- 
tives and  Conduct — Allusion  to  This  Subject  by  Mr. 
Judson — Separation  from  the  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners— Letter  to  Brother. 

We  shall  now  refer  to  a  circumstance,  which,  whether 
considered  in  itself,  or  in  all  its  bearings,  must  be  con- 
templated with  peculiar  interest.  While  in  Calcutta,  a 
change  of  sentiment  took  place  in  the  mind  of  Mr.  Rice, 
on  the  subject  of  baptism.  His  earliest  scruples  in  refer- 
ence to  infant  sprinkling,  occurred  at  Williams  College, 
when  the  merits  of  the  question  were  fully  discussed  be- 
tween a  Baptist  friend  and  himself,  in  a  series  of  writ- 
ten communications.  His  Baptist  brother  was  a  man 
of  excellent  sense,  but  far  inferior  to  him  in  the  advan- 
tages of  education.  Notwithstanding  this,  Mr.  Rice  has 
frequently  acknowledged  that  during  the  whole  con- 
troversy, he  felt  himself  utterly  disqualified  to  refute  the 
arguments  of  his  opponent,  and  could  not  but  be  as- 
tonished that  it  should  be  so,  as  he  had  never  before 
suspected  the  untenableness  of  his  sentiments  on  this 
point.  While  he  found  himself  unequal  to  the  task  of 
freeing  the  subject  from  embarrassments,  his  opinions 
were  not  changed.  He  determined  to  dismiss  the  matter 
as  one  of  the  nonessentials  of  religion;  supposing,  that 
if  he  erred,  he  was  associated  in  error  with  many  learned 
and  excellent  men  of  various  denominations.     Had  he 

[96] 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  97 

then  pursued  his  inquiries,  none  can  doubt  the  result  to 
which  he  would  have  been  brought. 

From  these  circumstances,  a  valuable  lesson  may  be 
acquired.  Those  who  adhere  to  the  exclusive  propriety 
of  believers'  immersion  have  nothing  to  fear  from  dis- 
cussion. Whether  we  invite  a  plain,  illiterate  reader  of 
the  received  version  of  the  New  Testament  to  examine 
tliose  passages  which  refer  to  baptism,  and  to  place  on 
them  that  construction  which  is  most  simple  and  natural ; 
or  whether  we  unite  with  the  most  learned  and  skilful 
critics  in  ascertaining  the  mind  of  the  spirit  in  the  origi- 
nal Greek,  we  are  alike  gainers  by  the  agitation  of  this 
subject.  While,  therefore,  an  unkind,  illiberal  spirit 
towards  those  who  differ  in  sentiment,  ought  to  be 
avoided,  every  Baptist  should  embrace  favorable  oppor- 
tunities of  inviting  attention  to  this  imperative  and  im- 
portant command  of  Jesus  Christ.  There  are  thousands 
of  excellent  Pedobaptists,  who  would  at  once  comply  with 
the  will  of  their  Master  in  this  particular,  if  their  atten- 
tion were  arrested,  and  the  spirit  of  honest  investiga- 
tion indulged. 

It  has  been  stated,  that  two  English  Baptist  mission- 
aries, Messrs,  Johns  and  Lawson,  were  fellow  passen- 
gers with  him  in  his  voyage  to  India.  In  his  journal, 
reference  is  made  to  a  conversation  with  them  on  the 
subject  of  baptism,  and  to  the  fact,  that  he  was  employed 
in  its  investigation.  There  is,  however,  the  clearest  evi- 
dence, that  he  remained  unconvinced  on  his  arrival  at 
Calcutta.  Very  soon  after,  he  ascertained  from  Mr.  Jud- 
son,  that  during  his  passage,  his  mind  had  been  per- 
plexed and  unhappy,  from  the  apprehension  that  he  was 
yet  living  in  disobedience  of  his  Master,  in  failing  to 
be  buried  with  him  in  baptism.    On  the  first  Lord's  day 


98  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

in  September,  1812,  he  and  his  wife  were  baptized  by 
Doctor  Carey.  On  the  17th  of  the  same  month,  he 
preached  his  baptismal  discourse,  which  was  afterwards 
published.  Respecting  this,  Mr.  Rice  remarks  in  his 
journal:  "Attended  chapel  service  in  the  forenoon; 
brother  Judson's  text  was  Matthew  28:  xix:  'Go  ye 
therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,'  &e.  His  object  was 
to  show  what  is  baptism,  and  to  whom  it  is  to  be  ad- 
ministered. I  have  some  feeling  and  difficulty  on  this 
subject,  which  I  find  myself  reluctant  to  disclose  to  my 
brethren :  may  the  Lord  himself,  lead  me  in  his  own  right 
way. ' ' 

On  the  11th  of  October,  he  states  in  his  diary,  that 
he  entered  into  a  free  conversation  with  Messrs.  Hall  and 
Nott,  on  the  subject  of  baptism,  and  stated  to  them, 
frankly,  the  state  of  his  own  mind,  and  that  some  time 
was  spent  in  special  prayer  for  the  divine  direction. 
About  this  time,  he  makes  frequent  allusion  to  the  sub- 
ject, being  almost  constantly  engaged  in  reading  the  New 
Testament,  in  prayer,  and  in  the  examination  of  all  the 
works  to  which  he  could  have  access,  embracing  too,  every 
opportunity  of  conferring  freely  with  his  Pedobaptist, 
and  Baptist  brethren.  On  the  12th  of  October,  1812,  he 
thus  writes  to  his  brother  Asaph : 

"I  have  just  mentioned  that  brother  Judson  has  be- 
come a  Baptist.  As  I  have  here  with  him  considerable 
means  for  the  purpose,  I  am  endeavoring  to  investigate 
thoroughly,  the  subject  of  the  sacred  ordinance  of  bap- 
tism. What  may  be  the  result  of  these  inquiries,  I  am 
not  able,  at  present,  to  say  but  from  the  progress  al- 
ready made,  I  conceive  it  to  be  possible,  that  a  revolution 
in  my  own  mind,  similar  to  that  which  my  dear  brother 
and  sister  have  experienced,  may  take  place.     Should 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  99 

this  be  the  ease,  I  shall  in  all  probability,  go  with  them 
to  Java.  It  would  be  peculiarly  pleasing  to  me,  to  be 
associated  with  them  in  the  mission ;  but  my  affection  for 
them  can  by  no  means  determine  me  to  become  a  Bap- 
tist, without  the  conviction  that  Baptists  are  in  the  right ; 
nor  can  I  on  the  other  hand,  be  deterred  from  conscien- 
tiously examining  the  subject,  nor  from  following  what 
really  appears  to  be  the  truth ;  notwithstanding  any  un- 
pleasant considerations  attending  such  a  change  of  senti- 
ment in  my  situation.  And  it  is  a  principle  with  me, 
that  truth  can  be  no  loser  by  the  most  rigorous  exami- 
nation, provided  that  examination  be  conducted  in  the 
fear  of  God,  with  a  sincere  desire  to  know  the  truth, 
and  a  disposition  to  do  his  will.  May  the  Lord  himself 
lead  me  in  the  way  in  which  he  would  have  me  to  go." 
After  much  patient  and  laborious  investigation,  he,  at 
length,  yielded  to  the  conviction  of  duty,  and  resolved 
to  apply  for  baptism.  In  a  letter  to  the  Board  of  Com- 
missioners, he  thus  apprises  them  of  his  change  of  senti- 
ment. ''The  solemn  and  important  ordinance  of  Chris- 
tian baptism  has  presented  itself  to  my  mind  in  such  an 
attitude,  that  I  could  not  conveniently  refrain  from  ex- 
amining it.  With  very  considerable  means  at  command, 
I  endeavored  I  trust,  with  prayerfulness,  and  in  the  fear 
of  God,  and  with  no  small  impression  of  delicacy  and 
high  responsibility  of  my  situation,  to  give  it  a  careful 
and  very  serious  examination.  But  it  is  with  peculiar 
emotions,  that  I  proceed  to  inform  you,  that  in  the  result, 
I  am  compelled  to  relinquish  a  view  of  the  sacred  ordi- 
nance which  I  have  formerly  apprehended  to  be  highly 
important.  I  am  now  satisfactorily  convinced,  that  those 
only  who  give  credible  evidence  of  piety,  are  proper 


100  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

subjects,  and  that  immersion  is  the  proper  mode  of  bap- 
tism." 

He  thus  alludes  to  his  baptism.  "November  1st,  1812, 
was  this  day  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity. 
The  Lord  grant  that  I  may  ever  find  his  name  to  be  a 
strong  tower,  to  which  I  may  continually  resort  and  find 
safety."  This  event,  in  connection  with  the  baptism  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson,  excited  strong  disapprobation  on 
the  part  of  those  by  whom  they  had  been  sent  forth. 
The  Board  of  Commissioners,  in  their  annual  report  for 
1813,  express  regret  that  their  missionaries  "had  not 
examined  the  subject  before  they  were  in  a  situation  pe- 
culiarly exposing  them,  as  the  case  might  be,  to  mis- 
take impulses  for  arguments ;  and  an  act,  in  which  there 
would  be  a  show  of  wisdom,  in  will,  worship  and  humil- 
ity, for  an  indispensable  effort  of  Christian  self-denial." 
The  implication  contained  in  this  extract,  is  as  unjust 
as  it  is  unkind.  The  whole  history  of  these  transactions 
shows,  that  if  ever  men  were  driven  to  an  indispensable 
effort  to  Christian  self-denial,  unbiassed  by  any  fears  or 
partialities,  except  in  reference  to  their  divine  Master, 
those  men  were  Judson  and  Rice. 

So  far  from  being  influenced  by  the  English  Baptist 
missionaries,  to  whom  they  had  access  after  their  arrival 
in  India,  the  whole  subject  had  undergone  an  investiga- 
tion by  Mr.  Judson,  during  the  passage;  and  shortly 
after  he  reached  Calcutta,  he  was  prepared  to  go  for- 
ward in  the  path  of  obedience.  The  following  sentences, 
contained  in  the  preface  to  his  India  edition  of  the 
Sermon  on  Baptism,  exhibit  this  fact.  "The  author  of 
the  following  discourse  was,  by  education  and  profession, 
a  Pedobaptist.  During  his  passage  from  America  to 
India,  in  the  spring  of  1812,  he  began  to  doubt  the  truth 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  101 

of  his  former  sentiments.  After  his  arrival,  and  before 
he  communicated  the  exercises  of  his  mind  to  any  of  the 
Baptist  denomination,  he  became  convinced  that  the  im- 
mersion of  a  professing  believer  into  the  name  of  the 
Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  is  the 
only  Christian  baptism." 

In  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Third  Church  in  Ply- 
mouth, Mass.,  with  which  he  had  been  connected,  he  thus 
refers  to  the  subject:  "You  will  readily  believe  me, 
when  I  say,  that  on  leaving  my  country,  I  little  im- 
agined that  I  should  ever  have  become  a  Baptist.  I  had 
not,  indeed,  candidly  examined  the  subject  of  baptism, 
but  I  had  strong  prejudices  against  the  sect,  that  is  every 
where  spoken  against. 

"It  was  on  board  the  vessel,  in  prospect  of  my  future 
life  among  the  heathen,  that  I  was  led  to  investigate  this 
important  subject.  I  was  going  forth  to  proclaim  the 
glad  news  of  salvation  through  Jesus  Christ.  I  hoped 
that  my  ministrations  would  be  blessed  to  the  conversion 
of  souls.  In  that  case,  I  felt  that  I  should  have  no  hesi- 
tation concerning  my  duty  to  the  converts,  it  being  plain- 
ly commanded  in  Scripture,  that  such  are  to  be  baptized, 
and  received  into  church  fellowship.  But  how,  thought 
I,  am  I  to  treat  the  unconverted  children  and  domestics 
of  the  converts?  Are  they  to  be  considered  members  of 
the  church  of  Christ,  by  virtue  of  the  conversion  of 
the  head  of  their  family,  or  not?  If  they  are  baptized, 
can  I  consistently  set  them  aside  as  aliens  from  the 
commonwealth  of  Israel,  until  they  are  re-admitted  ?  If 
they  are  not  to  be  considered  members  of  the  church, 
can  I  consistently  administer  to  them  the  initiating  ordi- 
nance of  the  church?" 


102  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

With  respect  to  the  change  which  was  experienced  by 
Mr.  Rice,  no  doubt  can  be  indulged,  that  it  was  preceded 
by  the  same  prayerful  and  protracted  investigation.  The 
struggle  between  the  convictions  of  truth  and  prejudice, 
was  severe  and  desperate.  He  found  himself  exceedingly 
reluctant  to  break  the  denominational  ties  which  bound 
him  to  so  many  of  those,  in  whose  piety,  he  had  the 
fullest  confidence,  and  to  unite  himself  with  a  people 
to  which  he  had  been  comparatively  a  stranger.  He 
knew  too,  that  in  the  event  of  a  change  he  should,  with 
many,  subject  his  character  to  reproach,  and  no  longer 
be  recognized  as  the  authorized  missionary  of  the  Board. 
"While  all  the  means  of  support  would  thus  be  cut  off, 
he  was  entirely  uncertain  as  to  the  measure  of  counte- 
nance which  would  be  given  to  missionary  operations 
by  the  Baptists.  There  was  no  earthly  motive  in  favor 
of  the  change ;  every  selfish  consideration  was  against  it. 
Under  those  circumstances,  we  might  expect  him  to  pon- 
der well  his  steps,  and  to  proceed  no  farther  than  the 
most  solemn  convictions  of  duty  should  require.  Dur- 
ing the  progress  of  these  investigations,  he  appeared  as 
the  advocate  of  infant  baptism,  whenever  he  conversed 
with  Baptists,  not  allowing  them  to  know  the  scruples 
which  had  taken  possession  of  his  mind,  until  a  short 
time  previous  to  his  requesting  baptism. 

The  following  extract  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Judson, 
will  be  read  with  interest,  as  it  throws  additional  light 
on  this  part  of  the  biography.  "Mr.  Rice  arrived  in 
Calcutta  about  six  weeks  after  those  of  us  who  sailed 
from  Salem.  At  that  time,  I  was  deeply  involved  in  the 
subject  of  baptism,  which  I  had  begun  to  investigate  on 
board  ship,  and  I  soon  learned  that  some  of  the  passen- 
gers from  Philadelphia  were  in  a  similar  position,  and 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  103 

that  Mr.  Rice  had  rather  distinguished  himself,  by  read- 
ing every  thing  within  his  reach,  and  manifesting  un- 
common obstinacy  in  defending  the  old  system. 

"Soon  after  my  baptism,  he  came  to  live  with  me 
in  order  to  enjoy  better  accommodations  than  he  found 
elsewhere.  At  first  he  was  disposed  to  give  me  fierce 
battle;  but  I  held  off,  and  recommended  him  to  betake 
himself  to  the  Bible  and  prayer.  He  did  so,  and  lived 
much  by  himself,  so  that  I  seldom  saw  him,  except  at 
meals.  But  his  inquiries,  when  we  met,  soon  assumed 
that  cool  and  solemn  air,  which  left  me  no  doubt,  as  to 
what  would  be  the  result  of  his  investigation.  His  mind 
remained  undecided  throughout  the  month  of  September ; 
so  that,  though  perhaps,  he  expected  to  become  a  Bap- 
tist, he  signed  the  joint  letter  of  the  brethren,  which  you 
allude  to,  as  a  thing  of  course;  though  that  letter  men- 
tions my  change  of  sentiment,  as  a  'trying  event,'  and 
states  the  inexpediency  of  our  labouring  in  the  same 
missionary  field.  In  the  month  of  October,  his  mind  be- 
came fully  decided,  and  he  was  baptized  on  the  first  of 
November.  In  all  this,  I  discover  not  the  slightest  in- 
consistency, though  persons  at  a  distance,  and  not  ac- 
quainted with  the  circumstances,  might  make  the  desired 
discovery. 

"Both  Mr.  Rice  and  myself,  have  been  accused  of 
changing  our  sentiments  suddenly,  prematurely,  and,  of 
course,  through  the  influence  of  interested  motives.  The 
truth  is,  that  a  Pedobaptist  examining  the  subject  of 
baptism,  though  about  convinced  of  the  truth,  is  reluc- 
tant to  communicate  the  real  state  of  his  mind,  even  to 
his  nearest  friends,  lest  he  should  finally  re-settle  in  his 
old  sentiments,  and  be  ashamed  to  have  it  known  that 
he  ever  had  a  serious  doubt  on  the  subject.    The  conse- 


104  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

quence  is,  that  when  he  can  hold  out  no  longer,  and  the 
unexpected  fact  is  thrust,  perhaps  unceremoniously  into 
the  faces  of  his  friends,  that  all  stand  aghast,  and  are 
ready  to  ascribe  his  change  to  any  other  than  an  honest 
influence. ' ' 

In  a  letter  to  his  parents,  dated  November  2nd,  Mr. 
Rice  says:  "Whatever  may  be  the  consequence  of  this 
change,  as  it  respects  the  Board  of  Commissioners,  and 
my  numerous  Christian  friends  in  America,  I  cannot  say, 
nor  am  I  very  anxious  about  it,  though  by  no  means 
indifferent  to  public  opinion,  or  insensible  to  the  deli- 
cacy and  serious  responsibility  of  my  situation;  but  let 
consequences  be  what  they  may,  I  hope  nothing  shall 
deprive  me  of  the  consolation,  resulting  from  a  con- 
science void  of  offence.  Yesterday,  I  was  baptized  by 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Ward,  and  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  unit- 
ing with  the  Baptist  church  in  Calcutta,  in  celebrating 
the  sacred  ordinance  of  the  Lord's  Supper.  It  was  a 
comfortable  day  to  my  soul ! ' ' 

In  a  subsequent  communication,  addressed  to  his 
brother,  he  thus  gives  vent  to  his  feelings  on  this  sub- 
ject. "Little  did  I  think,  dear  brother,  when  convers- 
ing with  you  respecting  Mr.  G.,  that  I  should  so  soon 
belong  to  the  same  denomination  with  him;  a  denomina- 
tion, which  I  had  thought,  in  no  small  degree,  repre- 
hensible for  partly  feeling,  and  sectarian  conduct.  I 
now  believe,  that  these  things  are  not  more  justly  charge- 
able to  the  Baptists,  than  other  denominations  of  pro- 
fessed Christians.  It  has,  indeed,  been  no  small  trial 
to  me  to  change  my  sentiments,  in  a  situation  so  con- 
spicuous and  delicate,  and  so  highly  responsible ;  though 
I  now  conceive  it  to  be  a  distinguished  favor  of  Divine 
Providence. ' ' 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  105 

These  extracts  furnish  unequivocal  evidence,  that  the 
subject  of  this  memoir,  was  compelled  to  unite  with  the 
Baptist,  by  the  stern  demands  of  duty.  He  knew  not, 
as  he  remarked,  what  would  be  the  consequence,  but  he 
was  willing  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good,  believing, 
that  necessary  guidance  and  support  would  be  bestowed. 
Too  many  instances  are  found  among  the  professed  fol- 
lowers of  Christ,  in  which  worldly  policy  or  convenience 
is  allowed  to  control  their  minds,  preventing,  if  not  the 
performance  of  known  duty,  the  investigation  of  its 
claims.  A  distinction  is  made  between  essentials  and  non- 
essentials, and  if  the  former  be  complied  with,  it  is  con- 
sidered quite  pardonable  to  dispense  with  the  latter.  This 
spirit  of  compromise  is  far  from  being  consistent  with 
the  devotion  which  should  be  cherished  by  a  soul,  bought 
with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ.  It  is  the  result  of  a 
selfishness,  which  would  say,  I  am  willing  to  do  what  is 
essential  to  secure  heavenly  bliss;  rather  than  inquire, 
how  shall  I  best  please  and  honor  him,  who  died  for  me 
and  rose  again?  All  must  perceive  that  the  latter  ques- 
tion is  that  which  sliould  constantly  press  upon  the 
conscience,  and  interest  the  heart  of  one  who  justly  con- 
templates his  responsibilities  to  an  infinitely  gracious 
Redeemer.  It  may  not  be  amiss  here,  to  insert  a  letter 
addressed  to  the  Board  of  Commissioners,  in  which  he 
makes  a  formal  resignation,  as  their  missionary.  It  was 
written  just  before  his  return  to  this  country. 

"To  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Missions : 
' '  Venerable  and  Beloved  : — Since  the  important  mo- 
ment which  placed  me  under  the  protection  and  control 
of  your  venerated  patronage,  a  change  of  sentiment,  in 


106  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

relation  to  the  sacred  rite  of  baptism,  having  put  it  out 
of  my  power  to  render  obedience  to  a  particular  article 
of  your  very  valuable  instructions,  I  deem  it  my  duty, 
and  beg  leave  to  make  the  following  communication  rela- 
tive to  this  change. 

"During  my  passage  to  India,  in  the  ship  Harmony, 
some  authorities  were  brought  to  my  notice  respecting 
the  signification  of  the  word  haptiso:  particularly,  some 
remarks  from  the  pen  of  Doctor  Campbell,  which  had 
not  before  met  my  observation,  were  of  a  nature,  that 
induced  me  to  suspect  sprinkling  not  to  be  a  proper  mode 
of  baptizing;  at  least,  not  so  proper  a  mode  as  immer- 
sion. A  wish  also  existed  in  my  mind,  to  possess  more 
clear  and  decisive  proof  in  favor  of  baptizing  infants, 
than  I  found  myself  able,  readily,  to  produce;  and 
though  I  had  previously  considered  the  subject  at  large, 
with  attention,  I  felt  something  like  a  necessity  of  re- 
freshing my  mind  with  its  evidences,  and  determined 
to  give  it  a  careful  reconsideration  as  circumstances 
should  be  favorable  to  the  purpose.  The  attention,  how- 
ever, which  I  actually  bestowed  upon  it,  pursuant  to 
this  determination,  previously  to  landing  in  India, 
neither  destroyed  my  suspicions  respecting  the  propriety 
of  sprinkling,  as  a  mode  of  baptism,  nor  gave  that  en- 
tire satisfaction  or  rather,  that  ready  command  of  de- 
cisive proof  in  favor  of  infants,  as  proper  subjects  of 
the  rite,  which  I  so  much  wished  to  possess,  and  had 
determined,  if  possible,  to  obtain. 

"On  reaching  Calcutta,  I  was  surprised,  and  sorry  to 
learn,  that  brother  Judson,  as  I  immediately  appre- 
hended, from  his  conversation,  and  as  proved  true,  in 
fact,  was  nearly  prepared  to  declare  himself  a  Baptist; 
and  though  this  of  itself  could  neither  augment  nor 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  107 

diminish  the  difficulty,  which  was  forming  in  my  own 
mind,  yet  it  contributed  perhaps,  to  make  that  difficulty 
more  distinctly  and  painfully  perceptible  to  myself,  and 
to  strengthen  the  purpose  of  bestowing  upon  the  subject, 
a  serious  reconsideration,  as  soon  as  circumstances  should 
allow.  But  as  my  health  had  been  considerably  reduced 
during  the  latter  part  of  my  voyage,  and  was  kept  low 
and  precarious  by  repeated  attacks  of  illness,  in  Bengal, 
and  as  the  concerns  of  the  mission  demanded  all  the  at- 
tention which  a  state  of  threatening  debility  would  per- 
mit me  to  exert,  it  was  unavoidable  to  postpone  this 
purpose  for  a  while,  though  the  subject  began  to  create 
some  degree  of  uneasiness  in  my  mind.  It  was  indeed, 
my  desire  to  fix  upon  the  place  for  the  missionary  sta- 
tion, as  soon  as  practicable,  and  to  proceed  to  that  sta- 
tion without  delay;  and  an  early  decision  upon  this 
point,  by  your  missionaries,  which,  however,  was  after- 
wards recalled,  and  the  unpromising  state  of  my  health, 
had  determined  me  to  return  to  the  Isle  of  Prance,  very 
soon  after  arriving  in  Bengal,  and  efforts  were  made  to 
obtain  a  passage,  but  without  success. 

"At  length,  having  been  hindered  from  leaving  Ben- 
gal, things  assumed  such  an  aspect,  as  exhibited  little 
probability  of  being  able  to  get  away  for  a  considerable 
time  longer ;  and  about  the  same  time,  my  physician,  in 
a  measure,  restricted  me  from  adventuring  abroad, 
though,  undergoing  meanwhile  a  process  of  salvation, 
I  felt  comfortably  well,  day  after  day,  and  week  after 
week.  In  this  situation,  no  longer  greatly  occupied  with 
other  concerns,  it  appeared  to  be  a  duty  equally  clear 
and  important  to  take  up  the  consideration  of  baptism, 
with  very  great  seriousness  and  deliberation,  and  to  en- 
deavor to  become  fully  persuaded,  in  my  own  mind,  both 


108  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

respecting  the  proper  subjects,  and  the  proper  mode  of 
the  sacred  ordinance;  and  the  result  was  a  conviction, 
that  those  persons  only,  who  appear  to  be  pious,  are 
proper  subjects;  and  that  immersion  is  the  only  proper 
mode  of  Christian  baptism. 

* '  Soon  after  becoming  thus  satisfied,  in  relation  to  this 
important  matter,  and  much  sooner  than  I  could  have 
wished  to  be  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  acting  upon 
a  conviction,  then  so  recent,  and  in  a  situation  highly 
delicate  and  responsible,  an  opportunity  offered,  of 
transmitting  letters  to  the  United  States,  and  I  wrote 
to  the  Rev.  Secretary  of  the  Board,  Doctor  Worcester, 
reluctantly  acquainting  him  with  my  change  of  senti- 
ments respecting  baptism,  and  that  it  was  judged  ex- 
pedient for  me  to  be  associated  in  a  mission  with  brother 
Judson,  rather  than  with  the  other  missionaries.  By  the 
same  conveyance,  I  also  wrote  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bald- 
win, informing  him  of  my  change  of  sentiment,  and  ex- 
pressing a  hope  of  being  patronized  in  missionary  la- 
bours, ultimately,  by  the  Baptist  churches  of  America. 

"After  returning  to  the  Isle  of  France,  brother  Jud- 
son and  myself,  having  determined  upon  attempting  to 
effectuate  a  mission  among  the  Malays,  while  waiting  for 
a  passage  to  Penang,  the  place  judged  by  us  most  proper 
for  the  missionary  station,  unexpectedly,  an  opportunity 
presented,  of  writing  to  the  United  States,  by  the  way  of 
Brazil ;  and  I  united  with  brother  Judson,  in  a  letter  to 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Worcester,  and  also  in  one  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Baldwin;  but  finally,  after  much  hesitation,  and  as 
much  deliberation  as  the  shortness  of  the  time  would  al- 
low, conceived  it  my  duty  to  avail  myself  of  the  same 
opportunity  to  revisit  the  United  States. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  109 

''From  Bahia,  during  the  detention  of  a  few  weeks 
there,  for  want  of  a  passage,  I  wrote  again  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Worcester,  but  expecting  to  arrive  in  the  United 
States  early  enough  to  appear  before  the  venerable 
Board  of  Commissioners,  at  their  annual  meeting,  the 
present  month,  refrained  from  any  mention  of  my 
change  of  sentiments.  At  the  same  time,  I  wrote  also  to 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Baldwin,  stating  my  situation,  and  an 
apprehension  that  my  engagements  under  your  highly 
respected  patronage,  would  be  so  adjusted  after  my  ar- 
rival in  the  United  States,  as  to  leave  me  at  liberty  to 
engage  in  missionary  labours,  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Baptist  churches,  should  they  be  disposed  to  afford  it. 

"The  object  of  these  communications  to  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Baldwin,  as,  with  very  great  deference  to  my 
revered  patrons,  I  persuade  myself  they  will  readily  be- 
lieve, was  simply  to  contribute  towards  enlisting  the 
Baptist  churches  of  America,  in  the  important  cause  of 
missions  to  the  heathen,  and  to  secure  to  myself  that  aid, 
without  which  it  would  become  impracticable  for  me  to 
prosecute  the  design  to  which  my  life  has  been  solemnly 
consecrated :  taking  it  for  granted,  at  the  same  time,  that 
it  would  not  be  the  wish  of  the  venerated  Board  of  Com- 
missioners to  continue  to  patronize  a  missionary,  whose 
religious  tenets  could  not  allow  him  to  baptize  infants. 

"Reduced  thus  to  a  situation  in  which  it  is  unavoid- 
able for  me  to  endure  the  very  painful  affliction  of  dis- 
appointing the  pious  hopes  of  those  to  whom  I  am  under 
obligations  of  the  most  sacred  nature,  and  whom  to 
please,  as  well  as  to  enjoy  whose  approbation,  is  dear 
to  my  heart,  I  entreat  the  privilege,  with  submission,  to 
throw  myself  at  your  feet,  and  to  solicit  a  discharge 
from  your  service.    And  as  the  motives  of  this  solicita- 


110  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

tion  are  conceived  to  be  sufficiently  apparent  in  the  state- 
ment already  made,  I  cannot  suffer  myself  farther  to 
trespass  on  your  indulgence ;  but,  with  humility  and  con- 
solation, resigning  to  your  wisdom  and  charity,  permit 
me,  with  sentiments  of  exalted  consideration,  and  with 
fervent  supplications  to  the  Father  of  mercies,  for  the 
abundant  success  of  your  exertions  in  the  missionary 
cause  to  subscribe  myself. 

Venerable  and  beloved, 

Your  missionary, 

Luther  Rice." 

In  referring  to  this  topic,  in  letters  to  his  brother, 
shortly  after  his  return  in  this  country,  Mr.  Rice  makes 
the  following  observation:  "To  me,  the  subject  appears 
so  perfectly  clear,  that  I  am  entirely  at  a  loss  to  attempt 
making  it,  in  any  measure,  more  so.  When  in  Calcutta, 
I  felt  it  my  duty  to  endeavor  to  ascertain  and  practice, 
simply  what  the  Saviour  required;  I  soon  discovered  that 
it  was  proper  to  baptize  such  as  made  a  credible  pro- 
fession of  repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  and  that  immersion  is  baptism,  according 
to  the  Scriptures.  In  the  days  of  the  apostles,  they  that 
believed  were  baptized.  This  fact  is  expressly  stated  and 
comports  with  the  explicit  command  of  the  Saviour. 

"That  immersion  is  baptism,  appears  evident  to  me, 
because  the  apostle  says  of  the  believers  in  his  time,  that 
they  were  buried  by  baptism.  All  the  efforts  to  do  away 
the  obvious,  common  sense  meaning  of  this  passage,  ap- 
pear to  me,  to  be  mere  quibbles.  Certainly,  I  should 
think  him  unacquainted  with  language,  who  should  speak 
of  being  buried  by  sprinkling.  These  things,  with  many 
others,  coinciding  in  the  same  view,  came  into  my  mind, 


]\IEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  111 

and  I  could  not,  for  my  life,  find  any  thing  in  the  Bible 
of  an  opposite  character.  I  dared  not  resist  the  light  any 
longer,  for  I  feared  the  Lord  would  not  bless  my  labors, 
if  I  refused  obedience  to  what  was  to  my  mind,  so  per- 
fectly clear  in  the  Bible." 

At  another  time,  he  remarks :  ' '  Your  affectionate  and 
very  acceptable  letter  of  8th  of  January,  I  received  in 
Richmond,  about  four  weeks  ago ;  but  I  have  not  found 
leisure  for  the  grateful  office  of  answering  it,  till  the 
present  hour.  It  gives  me  pleasure,  to  hear  of  your 
prosperity  and  happiness,  especially  to  hear  of  any  thing 
which  indicates  that  your  soul  is  in  health  and  prospers. 
As  to  the  instances  of  persons  baptized,  which  you  men- 
tion, I  have  only  to  remark,  that,  if  not  renewed  in  the 
spirit  of  their  minds  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  their  being  im- 
mersed, cannot,  as  you  are  well  aware,  be  of  any  essential 
benefit  to  themselves.  Permit  me  farther  to  observe,  that 
in  cases  where  there  is  good  evidence  of  piety,  and  when 
the  persons  entertain  what  I  humbly  conceive  to  be  cor- 
rect and  scriptural  views  in  relation  to  baptism,  it  gives 
me  pleasure  to  see  them  walking,  or  to  hear  of  their  walk- 
ing in  this  ordinance  of  the  Lord,  conformably  to  what 
I  conscientiously  believe,  to  have  been  its  design  and 
primitive  observance;  because  such  (I  speak  of  persons 
of  unquestionable  religion,  and  of  enlightened  charity) 
appear  to  me,  without  bigotry  or  superstition  (both  of 
which,  are  too  often  seen,  in  some  degree,  even  in  good 
people),  to  enjoy  'the  answer  of  a  good  conscience,'  upon 
correct  and  scriptural  grounds. 

"This  ordinance  like  that  of  the  Holy  Supper,  and 
all  the  commands  of  Christ,  contributes  to  their  growth 
in  grace,  being  found  to  be  according  to  godliness.  To 
yourself  and  to  others  who  conscientiously  differ  from 


112  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

me  in  opinion,  on  this  point,  I  still  say,  'Let  every  man 
be  fully  persuaded  in  his  own  mind.'  There  is  one  text 
however,  which,  if  agreeable  to  you,  I  desire  your 
thoughts  upon  in  your  next,  it  is  this,  'For  as  many  of 
you  as  have  been  baptised  into  Christ,  have  put  on 
Christ.'     Gal.  iii:  27." 


CHAPTER  VII 

Letters  Written  to  Baptists  of  America — Opposition  of 
English  Authorities — Ordered  to  Leave  India — Per- 
plexing Trials — Sails  for  Isle  of  France — Con- 
tinued Sickness — Determination  to  Return  to 
America — Reasons — Separation  from  His  Associates 
— Departure  for  United  States — Arrival  at  St.  Sal- 
vador— Left  for  New  York — Death  of  a  Sailor — 
Funeral — Results — Arrival  in  New  York — Visit  to 
Boston — Conference  with  Board  of  Commissioners 
— Views  of  Their  Conduct — Consultation  with  Bap- 
tists in  and  Near  Boston — Denominational  Action 
Recommended. 

The  circumstances  recorded  in  the  last  chapter  were 
exceedingly  important  in  relation  to  Mr.  Rice,  as  they 
gave  a  new  direction  to  his  whole  future  history.  As 
Mr.  Judson  and  he  had  virtually  dissolved  their  connec- 
tion with  the  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, it  became  a  question  of  considerable  interest 
whether  they  would  be  sustained  in  their  missionary 
labours  by  the  American  Baptist  churches.  This  was  to 
them  entirely  problematical.  Letters  were  addressed  to 
prominent  members  of  the  denomination  in  this  country, 
making  inquiry  on  this  subject.  In  the  meantime,  how- 
ever, there  were  other  circumstances  of  a  painful  nature 
which  attended  greatly  to  perplex  and  depress  their 
minds.  One  of  these  trials  consisted  in  the  stern  opposi- 
tion of  the  English  authorities  at  Calcutta.  It  seems  that 
in  the  original  charter  of  the  East  India  Company,  ex- 
clusive rights  and  privileges  were  conferred;  there  hav- 

[113] 


114  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

ing  been  at  that  time  no  expectation  that  dominion  in 
the  East  would  become  very  extensive.  So  general  were 
the  powers  of  this  Company,  that  all  individuals  might 
be  prohibited  from  a  settlement  in  any  part  of  their 
territories,  without  special  permission  from  the  directors 
at  home. 

In  the  grant  thus  given,  it  was  never  intended  to  inter- 
dict the  settlement  of  missionaries,  or  to  prevent  the 
diffusion  of  religious  knowledge  among  the  natives. 
Probably  the  idea  of  erecting  the  standard  of  Chris- 
tianity did  not  even  enter  into  the  minds  of  those  who 
framed  that  instrument.  It  was  simply  a  commercial 
transaction.  But  in  the  monopoly  of  trade  thus  created, 
and  the  vast  stores  of  wealth  which  resulted  from  the 
enterprise,  there  was  originated  a  grovelling,  mercenary 
spirit,  alike  disgraceful  in  itself,  and  injurious  in  its  con- 
sequences. An  apprehension  was  indulged  among  those 
most  interested,  that  to  introduce  the  gospel  into  India 
would  diminish  the  revenues  of  the  Company,  by  excit- 
ing the  superstitious  Hindoo  to  oppose  the  government 
in  defence  of  his  religious  system.  Hence  every  obstacle 
was  thrown  in  the  way  of  missionary  operations.  The 
early  efforts  of  Carey  and  his  associates  were  greatly 
impeded  by  this  circumstance.  The  shocking  venality 
manifest  in  the  endeavors  of  the  Company  to  encourage 
and  perpetuate,  by  legal  enactments,  some  of  the  cruel 
superstitions  of  the  natives,  must  forever  remain  a  foul 
blot  on  their  history. 

This  was  the  influence  which  Mr.  Rice  and  his  coad- 
jutors were  compelled  to  meet  on  their  arrival  at  Cal- 
cutta. They  had  not  long  been  in  that  city,  before  a 
peremptory  order  was  issued  from  the  public  authori- 
ties, requiring  the  master  of  the  vessel  to  take  the  mis- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  115 

sionaries  back  to  America,  apprising  him  that  a  post 
clearance  would  not  be  allowed  without  a  strict  com- 
pliance with  the  mandate. 

This  order  was  revoked,  with  the  understanding  that 
they  were  to  take  an  early  passage  to  the  Isle  of  France, 
at  which  point  they  hoped  to  commence  operations,  pro- 
vided they  should  still  be  opposed  in  their  wishes  to 
found  a  mission  in  the  British  East  Indies. 

Some  delay  in  obtaining  a  passage  having  occurred, 
and  no  particular  manifestation  of  hostility  being  indi- 
cated, it  was  hoped  they  might  yet  remain  in  Bengal 
unmolested.  But  several  ineffectual  petitions  to  govern- 
ment for  leave  to  visit  Ceylon  or  Java  were  made  by 
Judson  and  Rice,  and  they  at  length  found  themselves 
under  the  necessity  of  preparing  to  leave  for  the  Isle 
of  France.  About  this  time,  they  were  summoned  to  ap- 
pear before  the  police,  and  informed  that  thej^  with 
Messrs.  Hall  and  Nott,  would  be  immediately  sent  by 
the  British  fleet  to  England.  The  following  statement 
from  the  pen  of  Mr.  Rice,  will  refer  to  the  peculiarly 
embarrassing  circumstances,  and  the  trials  to  which  they 
were  afterwards  subjected. 

"To  our  surprise  on  the  17th  of  November,  we  were 
all  summoned  to  appear  at  the  police  next  day.  I  had 
then  been  out  of  the  hands  of  the  physician  only  a  few 
days.  At  the  police  we  were  notified  that  an  order  had 
been  issued,  alleging  that  by  not  having  gone  to  the  Isle 
of  France,  we  had  forfeited  the  farther  indulgence  of 
government,  and  directing  the  magistrate  to  send  us  to 
England  by  the  fleet  then  under  despatch,  and  which 
sailed  about  ten  days  afterwards.  Passages  had  been 
already  provided  for  brethren  Hall  and  Nott  in  the  Sur- 
rey — brother  Judson  and  myself  in  the  Prince  Regent. 


116  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

No  provision  had  been  made,  that  we  could  learn,  for 
sister  Nott  and  sister  Judson,  and  the  Saturday  next 
following  the  Wednesday  we  were  notified  of  the  order, 
we  were  to  be  carried  down  the  river  to  be  put  on  board 
the  fleet.  Of  this  circumstance,  however,  and  of  the  time 
appointed  for  the  sailing  of  the  fleet,  we  were  not  ap- 
prised, when  notified  of  the  order,  and  a  certificate  taken 
by  the  officers  of  police  of  the  places  where  we  respec- 
tively resided. 

' '  Friday,  of  the  same  week,  was  regular  Council  day ; 
but  on  that  day  for  some  reavson  or  other,  the  Supreme 
Council  did  not  assemble ;  and  the  Governor-general  had 
returned  to  his  country  seat,  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  from 
Calcutta,  so  that  we  could  not  avail  ourselves  of  the  privi- 
lege of  petitioning.  Brethren  Hall  and  Nott  did  indeed 
endeavour  to  obtain  an  audience  of  the  Governor-general, 
and  to  lay  before  his  lordship,  a  petition,  at  his  country 
seat ;  but  found  it  impracticable.  However,  as  they  had 
previously  obtained  all  the  necessary  official  papers,  with 
the  advice  of  worthy  and  judicious  friends,  early  on 
Saturday  morning  they  went  on  board  the  ship  in  which 
they  had  engaged  passage,  and  escaped  all  farther  diffi- 
culty with  government.  The  ship  was  to  land  at  Ceylon ; 
probably  one  of  them,  with  sister  Nott,  would  remain 
there,  and  the  other  proceed  to  Bombay.  If  ever  they 
had  been  sent  to  England,  sister  Nott  would  have  re- 
mained in  Bengal,  and  it  was  their  intention  to  have 
left  most  of  their  baggage  behind,  and  to  have  returned 
to  India  as  soon  as  practicable. 

"Brother  Judson  and  myself  engaged  a  passage  for 
the  Isle  of  France  the  next  day  after  being  notified  of 
the  order  of  government;  the  master  of  police.  Judge 
Martin,    having   promised    Doctor   Marshman   that   he 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  117 

would  grant  us  a  pa«s,  if  we  would  actually  engage  a 
passage ;  and  indeed,  said  that  this  was  the  best  thing  we 
could  do.  The  next  day  after,  he  refused  to  grant  the 
pass ;  but  again  promised  to  the  master  of  the  ship,  with 
whom  we  had  contracted  for  our  passage,  that  he  would 
grant  it;  but  yet  refused  again,  the  next  day  following. 
Being  engaged  on  Saturday  in  preparing  for  our  voy- 
age, and  in  getting  our  baggage  on  board  the  Creole,  the 
ship  in  which  we  had  engaged  our  passage  to  the  Isle  of 
France,  we  were,  of  course,  most  of  the  day,  absent  from 
the  place  of  our  usual  residence,  and  escaped  the  officers, 
who  were  sent  to  put  us  on  board  a  small  craft,  destined 
to  take  us  down  the  river  to  the  fleet.  The  officers  went 
indeed  to  the  house,  while  sister  Judson  and  a  part  of 
brother  Judson 's  baggage  were  still  there;  but  they 
were  gone  when  he  returned  for  the  remainder  of  his 
baggage. 

' '  Having  engaged  our  passage  on  the  faith  of  promises 
made  by  Judge  Martin,  that  he  would  grant  us  the 
necessary  pass,  and  having  already  got  our  baggage,  we 
finally  went  on  board  ourselves,  without  a  pass;  and  the 
next  day  after  Sabbath,  the  ship  began  to  drop  down  the 
river.  On  Monday  night,  the  ship  was  arrested  on  our 
account  and  detained  a  day  or  two.  I  went  up  to  Cal- 
cutta twice,  to  effect,  if  practicable,  our  getting,  if  not 
on  the  Creole,  on  some  other  vessel,  as  the  case  might 
be,  but  could  not  succeed ;  and  we  were  reduced  to  the 
necessity  of  quitting  the  Creole  and  of  remaining  a  few 
days  at  Fullah,  about  forty  miles  down  the  river  from 
Calcutta,  in  total  uncertainty,  and  in  a  state  of  anxiety, 
better  conceived  than  described. 

"At  length,  the  necessary  pass  was  sent  to  us,  and  on 
Monday,  30th  November,  we  re-embarked  on  the  Creole, 


118  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

at  Saugur,  and  the  next  morning,  put  out  to  sea.  By 
what  considerations  Judge  Martin  was  finally  prevailed 
on  to  grant  us  a  pass,  after  having  before  so  often  prom- 
ised and  refused  it,  I  am  not  able  to  say.  And  why  we 
were  not  actually  put  on  board  the  Prince  Regent,  if 
government  really  wished  to  send  us  to  England,  is  equal- 
ly unaccountable.  The  government,  indeed,  appears  to 
be  capricious  in  regard  to  such  matters.  And  it  is 
strongly  suspected  that  the  order  itself,  resulted  from  the 
unfriendly  representations  of  Judge  Martin ;  a  letter 
written  by  him  to  government  was  mentioned  in  the 
order,  as  one  of  the  reasons  of  its  being  issued.  We  ar- 
rived at  the  Isle  of  France,  the  16th  of  January,  1813. 
There  we  met  with  brother  Newell,  borne  down  under 
a  most  oppressive  weight  of  affliction." 

Thus  far,  the  designs  of  Mr.  Rice  had  been  frustrated. 
He  had  fondly  hoped  to  enter,  with  but  little  delay, 
upon  the  work  of  teaching  benighted  heathen  that  gos- 
pel which  brings  life  and  immortality  to  light.  But  his 
way  had  been  hedged  up,  and  even  at  the  time  of  his 
arrival  at  the  Isle  of  France,  there  was  but  little  proba- 
bility that  these  impediments  would  be  removed. 

In  addition  to  these  trials,  Mr.  Rice  was  required  by 
his  Heavenly  Father,  to  suffer  much,  in  the  experience  of 
painful  sickness.  His  health  began  to  fail  during  the 
voyage  from  America.  When  he  arrived  at  Calcutta, 
it  was  the  most  unhealthy  season  of  the  year,  and  his 
strength  being  much  reduced,  he  was  soon  prostrated, 
with  what  was  discovered  by  the  physicians,  to  be  an 
affection  of  the  liver.  During  his  stay  in  Bengal  he 
continued  to  suffer,  with  some  intermission  in  a  distress- 
ing measure ;  and  at  several  periods,  it  was  thought  his 
constitution  would  not  recover  the  shock  it  had  received. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  119 

"1  cannot,"  he  says,  in  a  letter  to  his  parents,  "be  in- 
sensible that  my  situation  is  exceedingly  precarious,  and 
that  some  of  the  symptoms  of  my  disease  are  of  an 
alarming  character.  The  day  before  yesterday  appear- 
ances took  rapidly  an  unfavorable  turn,  and  for  a  while 
I  felt  it  to  be  extremely  questionable  whether  my  life 
would  be  continued  twenty-four  hours.  I  am  now  better ; 
but  whatever  may  be  the  issue,  I  wish  to  say  continually, 
and  to  feel  it,  'the  Lord  do  with  me,  what  seemeth  him 
good.'  " 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  letters  were  directed 
to  prominent  members  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  in 
this  country,  in  regard  to  the  probability  of  systematic 
efforts  among  their  churches,  to  sustain  the  cause  of  mis- 
sions. Upon  the  arrival  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson,  with 
Mr.  Rice,  at  the  Isle  of  France,  after  much  free  and 
prayerful  conference  on  the  subject,  it  was  thought  ad- 
visable that  Mr.  Rice  should  return  to  this  country. 
Among  other  reasons,  he  stated  the  following,  as  having 
influenced  him  to  this  course. 

"1st.  To  communicate  information  to  the  Board 
of  Commissioners,  and  to  have  my  interesting  connec- 
tion with  that  body  adjusted  in  a  regular  and  proper 
manner. 

"2nd.  To  contribute  towards  engaging  the  Baptist 
churches  of  America  in  the  missionary  cause,  and  to  ob- 
tain for  ourselves,  if  practicable,  their  patronage,  in  case 
the  Board  should  on  account  of  our  change  of  sentiment, 
in  relation  to  baptism,  release  us  from  their  service. 

"3rd.  Being  at  the  Isle  of  France,  which  reckoning 
from  Penang  is  about  one-third  of  the  distance  towards 
the  United  States,  the  passage  that  offered  being  a  cheap 
one,  and  by  taking  with  me  Malay  books,  any  consider- 


120  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

able  loss  of  time  in  acquiring  that  language  might  be 
prevented. 

"4th.  To  reconnoitre  South  America  as  a  missionary- 
field. 

'*5th.  The  probability  that  a  voyage  to  the  United 
States  would  contribute  to  a  more  perfect  restoration  of 
my  health  especially,  to  a  more  complete  removal  of 
an  affection  of  the  liver,  which  assailed  me  in  India. ' ' 

On  the  15th  of  March,  1813,  he  bid  farewell  to  his  be- 
loved associates,  and  as  events  have  proved,  to  meet 
them  no  more  on  earth.  He  embarked  in  the  Donna 
Maria,  for  St.  Salvador.  On  the  25th  of  the  same  month, 
he  makes  the  following  entry  in  his  journal :  *  *  This  day, 
I  am  thirty  years  old.  I  renewedly  give  myself  to  the 
Lord ;  renewedly  devote  myself  to  the  cause  of  missions, 
and  beg  of  God  to  accept  me  as  his,  and  particularly 
as  devoted  to  the  missionary  service.  0  Lord,  accept  I 
beseech  thee,  these  consecrations  of  myself  to  thee,  and  to 
the  missionary  cause;  and  allow  me,  if  it  may  be  thy 
will,  a  few  years  to  labour  in  the  missionary  field,  and 
then  receive  me  to  heaven,  for  Christ's  sake.    Amen." 

The  voyage  was  pleasant,  and  on  the  4th  of  May,  they 
arrived  at  the  city  of  St.  Salvador,  where  he  remained 
more  than  two  months.  The  following  reference  to  his 
stay  at  that  place,  in  a  letter  to  Mr.  Judson,  will  be  read 
with  interest :  "I  had  not  separated  from  you  two  days, 
perhaps,  not  a  single  day,  before  I  earnestly  wished  my- 
self back  again  at  Port  St.  Louis.  Had  it  been  possible 
to  have  left  the  vessel,  and  conveyed  myself  to  the  Isle 
of  France,  I  certainly  should  have  done  it,  and  should 
not,  probably,  soon  again,  thought  of  returning  to 
America. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  121 

"Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  during  the 
voyage.  We  had  very  pleasant  weather  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  were  near  the 
coast,  probably,  not  more  than  six  or  eight  miles  from 
it,  a  little  to  the  eastward  of  the  Cape.  I  do  not  recol- 
lect whether  any  on  board,  except  the  mate,  who  was  the 
real  commander,  could  speak  English.  He  was  a  friend- 
ly kind  of  man,  and  read  a  great  deal  in  the  Bible,  es- 
pecially on  the  Sabbath.  For  myself,  I  was  occupied 
the  whole  passage,  in  writing  a  series  of  letters  to  my 
only  surviving  brother,  on  the  subject  of  baptism. 

"At  St.  Salvador,  to  which  place  you  may  recollect, 
the  vessel  in  which  I  left  the  Isle  of  France  was  destined, 
1  found  about  half  a  dozen  Americans,  from  New  York 
and  Boston,  besides  sailors  and  prisoners,  who,  in  the 
operations  of  the  war,  had  been  captured  and  sent  there. 
The  Americans  here,  of  course,  were  disposed  to  treat 
me  in  a  friendly  and  gentlemanly  manner.  I  remained 
a  few  days  on  board  the  vessel,  in  the  harbor,  and  the 
balance  of  the  time,  say  about  six  weeks,  at  the  house  of 
Henry  Hill,  Esq.,  American  consul. 

"Not  a  religious  person  could  I  find  in  the  place. 
Mrs.  Hill,  descended  from  religious  parents,  was  anxious 
to  have  her  children  baptized,  or  rather,  sprinkled ;  and 
without  consulting  me  on  the  subject,  and  not  having 
been  informed  of  my  being  a  Baptist,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hill 
had  made  arrangements  for  the  ceremony  to  be  per- 
formed by  me;  and  had,  if  I  rightly  recollect,  invited 
some  of  their  friends  to  be  present  on  a  Sabbath  for  the 
purpose  of  witnessing  the  same. 

'  *  When  they  mentioned  the  matter  to  me,  I  gave  them 
to  understand,  that  although  desirous  to  do  them  a  pleas- 
ure, my  views  on  the  subject  were  such  as  rendered  it 


122  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

impossible  for  me  to  comply  with  their  wishes;  that  I 
apprehended,  however,  that  no  disadvantage  to  their 
ordinance  administered  to  them,  and  that  even  if  my  own 
views  had  not  experienced  a  change  on  the  subject  after 
leaving  the  United  States,  the  instructions  under  which 
children  would  arise,  in  consequence  of  not  having  the 
I  went  out,  would  not  have  authorized  me  to  baptize  the 
children,  inasmuch  as  the  parents  were  neither  of  them 
professors  of  religion.  The  consul,  although  he  treated 
me  in  a  very  friendly  manner,  did  not  ask  me  to  preach 
nor  to  pray  at  his  house,  nor  even  to  ask  a  blessing  at 
his  table.  I  have  heard,  that  both  himself  and  lady 
have  since  become  religious. 

"The  climate  of  St.  Salvador,  although  down  as  low 
as  thirteen  degrees  of  latitude,  is  good,  and  the  place 
healthy,  and  the  country  round  about,  I  believe,  good, 
fertile,  and  pleasant,  but  occupied  by  a  most  miserable 
population.  The  Catholic  superstition,  which  by-the- 
bye,  is,  1  think,  about  as  bad  a  state  of  heathenism  as  any, 
was  entirely  predominant.  I  adopted  the  opinion,  how- 
ever, that  a  missionary  of  righteousness  might  do  some 
good  in  that  country;  and  I  do  hope  the  day  is  not  re- 
mote, when  missionaries  shall  be  sent  to  South  America. 

"The  vessel  in  which  I  proceeded  from  the  Isle  of 
France  to  St.  Salvador,  after  a  few  weeks,  set  sail  for 
Salem ;  but  I  was  not  permitted  to  join  her.  She  had  a 
quantity  of  saltpetre  on  board,  which  was  a  contraband 
article,  and  the  proprietor  conceived  it  not  safe  for  a 
person  to  be  taken  as  a  passenger,  who  would  not,  as  he 
supposed,  swear  for  the  truth,  in  case  the  vessel  should 
be  overhauled,  in  order  to  save  the  cargo.  I  wrote  by 
that  opportunity,  to  Doctor  Worcester,  giving  various 
information,  without  saying  any  thing  of  my  change  of 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  123 

sentiment  respecting  baptism;  but  remarked,  in  conclu- 
sion, that  I  abstained  from  several  things,  which  I  should 
have  felt  it  my  duty  to  state,  but,  that  I  anticipated  be- 
ing in  Boston  time  enough  to  be  present  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Board  in  September. 

"At  the  time  of  writing  that  letter,  I  knew  not  whether 
information  of  my  change  of  sentiment  had  arrived  or 
not,  and  in  case  it  had  not,  I  thought  it  best  to  avoid 
communicating  it  till  my  arrival;  not  knowing  what 
course  the  Board  of  Commissioners  might  take  upon 
them  to  pursue,  in  relation  to  me,  and  choosing  to  be  on 
the  ground,  without  giving  them  the  advantage  that 
might  arise  from  the  information,  beforehand ;  provided, 
that  information  had  not  already  reached  them.  I  after- 
wards understood,  that  Doctor  Worcester  had  shown  the 
letter  to  some  of  his  friends,  under  an  impression  that 
it  went  to  prove  that  I  had  not  become  a  Baptist.  There 
was  nothing,  however,  in  the  letter,  from  which,  by  any 
means,  fairly  to  make  out  such  an  inference. 
"Ever  most  affectionately  yours, 

"Luther  Rice." 

Having  obtained  passage  in  a  cartel  from  St.  Salvador, 
he  sailed  from  that  place  to  New  York,  July  17th,  1813. 
Every  Sabbath,  public  religious  services  were  allowed 
on  deck.  This  furnished  the  opportunity  of  addressing 
a  large  congregation,  as  in  addition  to  several  cabin 
passengers,  about  one  hundred  prisoners  of  war  were  on 
board.  Some  time  after  his  arrival  in  this  country,  he 
thus  refers  to  an  interesting  incident  which  occurred 
during  the  voyage: 

"About  a  fortnight  after  leaving  the  harbor,  one  of 
the  sailors  died,  the  only  human  being,  as  far  as  I  can 


124  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

remember,  that  I  have  ever  seen  expire;  unless  I  should 
reckon  two  that  were  shot  at  Fort  Independence.  When 
he  was  committed  to  his  watery  grave,  I  made  an  exhorta- 
tion to  the  people ;  one  of  the  sailors  as  thoughtless,  vile, 
and  profane  as  the  rest,  was  awakened  by  that  exhorta- 
tion— and  although  he  did  not  make  known  to  me  the 
state  of  his  mind  during  the  remainder  of  the  voyage, 
yet  not  long  after  arriving  in  this  country,  he  became 
a  member  of  a  Baptist  church  in  Philadelphia,  and  has 
since  become  a  preacher ;  he  is  a  zealous,  consistent,  and 
useful  man.  He  always  manifests  the  greatest  attach- 
ment and  respect,  whenever  I  have  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  with  him.  Perhaps  I  may  without  impropriety 
here  record  with  the  deepest  gratitude,  that  a  few,  per- 
haps a  dozen  or  twenty  in  various  parts  of  the  country, 
have  been  awakened  by  my  instrumentality,  and  brought 
to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth.  In  all  the  cases  I  have 
known,  their  experience  has  been  clear  and  satisfactory." 
The  individual  above  referred  to,  was  Elder  Thompson, 
who  though  advanced  in  years,  is  still  a  laborious  minis- 
ter of  the  gospel.  In  alluding  to  the  circumstances  which 
led  to  his  conversion,  he  represents  himself  as  having 
been  one  of  the  most  daring  transgressors.  On  the  morn- 
ing when  the  funeral  of  his  shipmate  was  to  take  place, 
he  indulged  in  unusual  gaiety  and  profanity.  Just  be- 
fore the  body  was  committed  to  the  ocean,  he  proposed 
in  a  jesting  way  to  some  of  the  other  seamen,  to  go  and 
hear  what  the  preacher  would  say  concerning  their  com- 
rade. With  his  own  peculiar  manner,  Mr.  Rice  pointed 
to  the  corpse,  then  to  the  w^atery  grave  before  him,  and 
to  the  open  sky,  and  admonished  all  to  prepare  to  meet 
God  in  judgment.  The  scene  itself  was  solemn,  but  it 
was  rendered  more  so  by  the  thrilling  tones  of  warning 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  125 

and  exhortation,  which  fell  from  the  preacher's  lips. 
Mr,  Thompson  was  almost  overpowered  by  the  intensity 
of  anguish  which  seized  his  spirit.  He  felt  that  there 
was  a  God,  and  oppressed  by  a  sense  of  his  own  guilt, 
he  began  to  cry  for  mercy,  nor  did  he  cease  to  seek  the 
Lord,  until  he  understood  and  rejoiced  in  the  plan  of 
salvation  through  Jesus  Christ. 

During  the  voyage,  another  of  the  seamen  was  brought 
to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  through  the  instrumentality 
of  Mr.  Rice,  and  afterwards  united  with  a  Baptist  church 
in  this  country,  giving  evidence  of  a  thorough  change 
to  the  time  of  his  death.  Thus  the  Lord  honoured  his 
servant  with  the  high  privilege  of  winning  souls  to  him- 
self, at  this  early  period  of  his  ministry. 

On  the  7th  of  September,  he  arrived  in  New  York. 
In  that  city  he  remained  but  four  days,  being  solicitous 
to  meet  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  at  their 
annual  session,  which  took  place  on  the  15th  of  that 
month.  An  allusion  to  that  meeting  is  found  in  a  letter 
subsequently  written  to  Mr.  Judson. 

"Dear  Brother: — I  reached  Boston  late  on  the  eve- 
ning of  Tuesday.  The  next  day  commenced  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners  in  Boston.  I  saw 
Mr.  Evarts  in  the  morning,  and  let  him  know  at  what 
place  I  might  be  found  at  any  hour  the  Board  might 
think  proper  to  admit  me  to  an  audience.  This  they 
did  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day.  I  made  a  egneral 
statement  of  what  had  occurred  from  the  time  of  our 
leaving  America,  up  to  the  time  then  present,  which 
occupied,  I  suppose,  about  an  hour  and  a  half.  I  put 
into  the  hands  of  the  corresponding  secretary,  Doctor 
Worcester,  a  paper  which  I  had  prepared  on  the  particu- 


126  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

lar  subject  of  my  change  of  sentiments  in  relation  to 
baptism.  A  duplicate  of  that  paper  is,  I  believe,  still  in 
my  possession. 

"In  that  communication,  I  presented  myself  before 
them,  recognizing  the  existence  of  the  relation  between 
us  which  had  been  produced  by  ordaining  and  instruct- 
ing me  as  their  missionary.  In  doing  it,  I  requested  to 
be  discharged  from  their  service.  Of  that  communica- 
tion however,  they  never  deigned  to  take  any  notice.  I 
waited  perhaps  till  Friday,  and  wishing  to  go  down  to 
Salem,  I  saw  Doctor  Dwight,  and  asked  him  if  the  Board 
had  granted  my  request,  to  which  he  replied  that  a  vote 
had  been  passed  to  that  effect.  I  intimated  to  him  that 
it  was  my  wish  to  go  to  Salem,  and  asked  if  the  Board 
would  wish  to  see  me  again,  to  which  he  signified  in  reply 
that  there  would  be  nothing  improper  in  my  proceeding 
to  Salem,  without  any  further  regard  to  the  Board. 

"I  had  determined  not  to  have  any  thing  to  do  with 
the  Baptists;  nor  to  enter  into  any  arrangements  im- 
plying a  dereliction  of  my  connection  with  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions,  till  my  re- 
lation with  that  body  was  adjusted,  or  rather  regularly 
dissolved.  On  Monday  following,  at  the  meeting  in 
Boston,  I  think  it  was,  I  obtained,  by  applying  to  the 
recording  secretary  of  the  Board,  knowledge  of  the  fact, 
that  they  had  voted  that  they  considered  the  relation 
between  me  and  the  Board  dissolved  from  the  date  of 
my  letter  from  Calcutta,  announcing  the  fact  of  my 
change  of  sentiments.  1  then  found  myself  at  liberty  to 
pursue  the  course  which  might  be  proper. 
"Ever  most  affectionately  yours, 

"Luther  Rice." 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  127 

The  manner  in  which  the  communication  was  received 
and  treated  by  the  Board,  could  not  fail  to  produce  dis- 
satisfaction, both  with  Mr.  Rice  and  the  Baptists,  with 
whom  he  had  now  become  virtually  connected.  It  was 
naturally  expected  that  an  official  reply,  couched  in  re- 
spectful language,  would  have  been  received,  especially 
as  the  letter  of  resignation  was  written  in  a  style  be- 
coming the  peculiar  relations  which  were  sustained  to 
them  by  their  missionaries.  That  such  a  reply  was  suit- 
able, cannot  be  doubted  by  any  candid  and  impartial 
mind ;  it  would,  even  among  worldly  men,  under  similar 
circumstances,  have  been  deemed  proper.  How  their  con- 
duct was  viewed  by  Mr.  Rice,  while  he  accorded  to  them 
the  character  of  pious  men,  will  be  seen  by  a  letter  writ- 
ten on  this  subject,  to  a  particular  friend. 

"I  did  not  suppose  that  the  mere  fact  of  the  change 
of  my  sentiments,  in  itself,  dissolved  the  connection  be- 
tween myself  and  that  body;  and  certainly  thought, 
that  their  own  liberal  professions  might  fairly  give  a 
different  aspect  to  the  case.  I,  therefore,  made  a  respect- 
ful communication  to  them  on  the  subject,  and  requested 
to  be  discharged  from  their  farther  service.  To  this, 
they  deigned  not  to  make  any  reply;  nor  did  they  even 
communicate  to  me  the  resolution  above  mentioned.  I 
learned  the  fact  of  it,  by  inquiring  what  they  did  touch- 
ing the  matter  in  question.  I  was  well  enough  satisfied, 
though  it  seemed  to  me,  they  might  have  pursued  a  course 
more  happily  conformed  to  their  professed  liberality  of 
sentiment,  in  relation  to  sects,  and  more  nearly  con- 
formed to  the  Christian  spirit  also.  They  did,  indeed, 
instruct  their  treasurer  to  write  to  me  to  refund  the 
money  expended  in  my  outfit,  passage  to  India,  &c.  He 
mentioned  the  thing  to  me  viva  voce,  to  which  I  replied, 


128  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

that  if  he  would  write  to  me  on  the  subject,  I  would 
certainly  attend  to  his  communication. 

"I  rather  wished  for  a  fair  and  fit  opportunity  to 
remind  them  of  their  non  sectarian  professions;  of  the 
fact,  that  so  handsome  a  portion  had  been  drawn  from 
the  Baptists;  of  the  light  in  which  I  had  viewed  the  re- 
lations between  myself  and  their  body,  consistently  too, 
with  their  own  professions;  and  of  the  fact,  that  my 
outfit  in  particular,  had  been  provided  for  especially, 
and  very  much  by  my  own  personal  exertions.  But  I 
never  heard  any  thing  farther  from  their  treasurer  on 
the  subject.  They  are  an  excellent  body  of  people,  and 
are  doing  much  good.  I  hope  their  remaining  errors, 
particularly  that  concerning  baptism,  will,  at  no  very 
distant  day,  be  removed.  Christians  must  all  be  united, 
before  the  millenial  state  can  take  place.  To  be  united, 
they  must  possess  much  more  holiness  and  divine  love, 
and  conformity  to  the  image  of  the  Son  of  God,  than 
they  do  at  present.  For  this  blessed  result,  let  us  de- 
voutly, earnestly,  and  constantly  labour,  strive  and 
pray. ' ' 

Having  discharged  what  was  deemed  to  be  his  obliga- 
tions to  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners,  Mr.  Rice 
now  felt  himself  at  liberty  to  make  formal  and  direct 
endeavours  to  promote  the  missionary  enterprise  among 
his  Baptist  brethren.  Accordingly,  several  of  the  towns 
contiguous  to  Boston  were  visited,  for  the  purpose  of 
conferring  with  such  benevolent  individuals  as  might  be 
supposed  to  take  an  interest  in  this  subject.  There  were 
then  in  existence,  four  or  five  Baptist  Foreign  Mission 
Societies  in  New  England.  The  oldest  was  located  in 
Salem,  it  having  been  organized  shortly  after  the  sailing 
of  the  missionaries  from  this  country.      Beside  this,  may 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  129 

be  mentioned,  the  societies  formed  in  Boston,  Providence, 
and  Haverhill.  In  the  month  of  September,  a  few  days 
after  the  decision  of  the  Board  of  Commissioners,  a  con- 
ference of  discreet  brethren  in  Boston  was  held,  to  con- 
sult on  the  course  proper  to  be  pursued  in  the  exigencies 
of  the  case. 

It  was  thought  necessary  to  proceed  at  once  to  the 
adoption  of  measures,  which  might  excite  the  Baptists 
of  this  country,  to  combine  their  energies  in  the  mission 
cause.  They  concluded  to  issue  a  circular,  which  should 
be  sent  to  prominent  individuals  in  different  parts  of  the 
United  States.  This  circular  proposed  a  general  co- 
operation of  the  churches.  At  first,  it  was  thought  ad- 
visable to  make  the  Boston  Society,  which  had  been 
formed  in  consequence  of  Mr.  Judson's  change  of  senti- 
ment, and  which  had  already  assumed  the  responsibility 
of  his  support,  the  parent  institution.  But  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  Mr.  Rice,  they  concluded,  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable, to  call  a  meeting  of  delegates  from  different  parts 
of  the  country,  at  which  time,  some  organization  might 
be  formed  to  conduct  these  operations  on  a  more  enlarged 
scale. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

Necessity  of  Consulting  the  Churches — Mr.  Rice  Con- 
sents to  Engage  in  the  Agency — Leaves  Boston — 
Visits  New  York  and  Philadelphia — Proceeds  to  the 
South — Success — Project  of  a  Convention — Letters 
from  Prominent  Individuals — Missionary  Meeting 
in  Philadelphia — Baptist  General  Convention  Or- 
ganized— Mr.  Rice  Urged  to  Remain  in  This  Country 
— Appointed  General  Agent — -Interview  with  Pro- 
fessor S. — Zeal  and  Success  in  Agency — Letters — 
Multiplied  Privations  and  Lahours — Letters — First 
Trie7inial  Meeting  of  Convention — Latter  Day 
Luminary  Commenced — Letter. 

For  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  plan  alluded  to 
in  the  last  chapter,  with  the  advice  and  concurrence  of 
his  brethren  in  Boston,  Mr.  Rice  determined  to  visit  the 
Southern  states.  Thus  commenced  a  series  of  laborious 
effort  in  rousing  the  denomination  to  systematic  action 
in  the  various  benevolent  movements  of  the  present  day. 
God  intended  to  honor  him  as  a  pioneer  in  this  work. 
Nor  was  this  an  enterprise  of  inconsiderable  character. 
In  almost  every  section  of  our  land,  the  Baptists  had 
been  dignified  as  the  instruments  of  salvation  to  the  souls 
of  men.  Their  ministers,  though  in  many  instances, 
deficient  in  scholastic  attainments,  were,  as  a  class,  men 
of  good  sense,  prudence,  and  piety.  With  an  unquench- 
able ardor,  and  armed  with  the  sword  of  the  spirit,  they 
went  forth  to  the  conflict  against  the  powers  of  darkness. 
Nor  were  these  endeavors  vain.  Through  God,  they  were 
mighty  in  pulling  down  strongholds,  and  in  building  up 

[  130  ] 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  131 

the  kingdom  of  their  Heavenly  Master.  With  their  num- 
bers, influence,  and  wealth,  they  were  qualified  to  exer- 
cise a  wide  and  commanding  influence  in  the  general 
cause  of  truth  and  righteousness.  Their  brethren  in 
Great  Britain,  had  been  foremost  in  modern  missionary 
efforts,  and  it  had  been  ascertained,  that  in  this  country, 
they  were  always  ready  to  promote  those  good  objects, 
which  had  been  properly  brought  before  their  notice. 
Any  means,  therefore,  which  were  likely  to  enlist  the 
energies  of  the  denomination,  could  not  but  be  regarded 
by  all  the  lovers  of  truth,  as  vastly  important. 

It  is  known  also,  that  unlike  the  other  leading  de- 
nominations of  our  country,  the  Baptists  have  no  large 
ecclesiastical  judicatories,  bringing  together  from  differ- 
ent parts,  the  representatives  of  the  churches.  Believing 
as  they  do,  in  the  scriptural  propriety  of  the  indepen- 
dent form  of  church  government,  and  allowing  no  juris- 
diction to  any  higher  tribunal  than  the  church,  their 
concentrated  energy  had  not  been  brought  to  bear  on 
the  interest  of  the  heathen  world.  It  was  important  to 
adopt  some  plan,  which  might  combine  the  voluntary  ac- 
tion of  the  churches,  and  decide  upon  some  common 
reservoir,  into  which,  as  from  so  many  streams,  the 
churches  might  allow  their  contributions  to  flow.  To 
effect  this,  the  churches  throughout  the  land  were  to  be 
consulted,  and  in  consulting  them  generally,  and  suc- 
cessfully, there  were  required  no  small  measure  of  in- 
dustry, patience  and  judgment.  These  qualifications 
were  possessed  by  Mr.  Rice,  who  was  now  about  to  enter 
upon  this  important  agency. 

He  left  Boston  on  the  29th  of  September,  1813,  on  his 
first  Southern  tour.  That  he  might  once  more  visit  his 
aged  parents,  he  passed  through  Northborough.    Refer- 


132  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

ring  to  this,  he  remarks  in  his  journal:  "Glad  to  see 
my  parents  once  more,  and  to  find  them  in  comfortable 
health.  My  brother,  anxious  to  know  the  grounds  of 
my  becoming  a  Baptist,  is  I  hope,  satisfied;  after  some 
conversation  on  the  subject,  that  I  am  able  to  render  a 
reason  in  this  matter. ' ' 

Having  remained  a  short  time  in  his  native  place  he 
proceeded  to  New  York,  and  to  his  high  satisfaction, 
found  the  Baptists  ready  to  co-operate  in  the  mission 
cause.  In  Philadelphia,  he  was  received  with  the  most 
cordial  kindness.  During  his  former  brief  stay  in  that 
city,  preparatory  to  the  voyage  to  India,  he  had  become 
acquainted  with  many  of  the  Baptists,  and  they  were 
prepared  on  this  account,  to  give  him  a  welcome  recep- 
tion. The  time  of  his  arrival  was  favorable  to  the  ob- 
ject of  his  visit,  as  on  the  same  day,  the  Philadelphia 
Association  commenced  its  annual  meeting.  They  al- 
lowed him  the  first  favorable  opportunity  of  presenting 
detailed  statements  respecting  the  results  which  had  fol- 
lowed the  efforts  of  the  English  Baptist  mission  in  India, 
and  the  inviting  fields  of  missionary  labour  which  the 
providence  of  God  was  opening  before  our  churches  in 
America.  A  committee  of  eleven  was  appointed,  to  con- 
sider the  subject,  who  reported  a  constitution  for  the 
Philadelphia  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  which  was  sub- 
sequently formed. 

From  Philadelphia  he  proceeded  to  Baltimore,  Wash- 
ington, and  Richmond,  and  thence  on  to  the  Charleston 
Association.  At  all  these  places  he  met  with  encouraging 
success.  "With  scarcely  a  single  exception,  the  ministers 
with  whom  he  became  acquainted,  were  desirous  of  a 
denominational  movement  in  favor  of  missions.  At  the 
Charleston  Association,  the  subject  having  been  intro- 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  133 

dueed  by  Doctor  Fiirman,  it  received  their  cordial  sanc- 
tion, and  measures  were  adopted  to  bring  it  before  the 
attention  of  the  churches  of  that  region.  Charleston, 
Savannah,  and  most  of  the  prominent  towns  of  South 
Carolina  and  Georgia,  having  been  visited  by  Mr.  Rice, 
he  concluded  to  return  by  another  route,  to  be  in  Phila- 
delphia about  the  first  of  May,  1814. 

During  this  tour,  as  far  as  practicable,  churches  and 
individuals  were  consulted,  on  the  expediency  of  a  gen- 
eral meeting  of  the  friends  of  missions  at  some  central 
and  convenient  place.  In  addition  to  personal  conversa- 
tion, letters  were  written  by  Mr.  Rice,  to  numerous  per- 
sons in  the  United  States,  while  on  his  tour,  so  that  no 
time  was  allowed  to  remain  unoccupied,  and  no  means 
left  untried  to  accomplish  the  object  he  so  ardently  de- 
sired. In  writing  to  Mr.  Judson,  he  thus  describes  some 
of  the  particulars  of  this  journey: 

"While  passing  from  Richmond  to  Petersburg  in  the 
stage,  an  enlarged  view  of  the  business  opened  upon  my 
contemplations.  The  plan  which  suggested  itself  to  my 
mind,  that  of  forming  one  principal  society  in  each  state, 
bearing  the  name  of  the  state,  and  others  in  the  same 
state,  auxiliary  to  that;  and  by  these  large,  or  state  so- 
cieties, delegates  be  appointed  to  form  one  general  so- 
ciety. The  society  in  Richmond,  in  the  outset,  took  the 
name  of  the  state,  as  did  one  afterwards  in  North  Caro- 
lina ;  but  in  no  case,  have  auxiliaries  been  formed  to 
these  state  societies.  Recently,  however,  this  same  kind 
of  system,  in  substance  and  effect,  but  differing  in  form 
and  modification,  begins  to  come  into  action.  Several 
state  conventions  have  been  formed  already,  and  more 
will  probably  be  originated.  To  these,  it  is  calculated, 
auxiliaries  will  be  formed,  and  that  associations  will  also 


134  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

become  constituents ;  and  that  from  these  delegates,  per- 
haps, ultimately,  the  delegates  will  be  appointed  to  the 
general  convention. 

It  may  not  be  improjjer  to  introduce  in  this  place,  one 
or  two  letters,  written  in  reply  to  inquiries  made  by 
him,  respecting  the  practicability  of  a  general  meeting. 
They  will  fiu-nish  a  correct  idea  of  the  nature  of  his 
labours  about  this  period,  and  of  the  estimation  in  which 
they  were  held  by  most  of  his  brethren.  The  first  is  from 
the  present  senior  secretary  of  the  Board,  whose  interest 
from  that  time  to  the  present,  in  the  mission  cause,  has 
known  no  abatement.    It  is  dated : 

"Salem,  December  7,  1813. 

* '  Rev.  and  Dear  Brother  : — I  will  not  attempt  to  dis- 
guise the  satisfaction  I  felt  on  reading  your  letter  from 
Charleston.  Every  circumstance  that  looks  favorable 
to  the  cause  of  Christ  among  the  heathen,  is  interesting 
to  my  heart.  Our  denomination  have  long  wanted  some 
general  excitement  towards  this  great  and  important  ob- 
ject, that  the  means  within  their  power  might  be  called 
into  action.  I  think  your  visit  promises  to  be  highly  use- 
ful in  this  respect;  besides,  it  will  give  you  an  oppor- 
tunity of  witnessing  the  spirit  they  are  of,  and  enable 
you  to  carry  with  you,  whenever  you  go  to  the  field  of 
your  labours,  a  more  correct  impression  of  the  sentiments 
of  our  brethren  in  relation  to  the  mission,  than  you 
otherwise  could  have  done. 

''The  societies  that  have  been  formed  this  way,  con- 
tinue to  exert  themselves,  and  receive  some  encourage- 
ment, more  than  they  anticipated,  or  from  unexpected 
sources;  and  I  believe  they  will  readily  adopt  the  plan 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  135 

of  a  'general  committee,'  to  meet  in  Philadelphia.  The 
object  of  this  committee,  I  presume,  will  be  to  adopt 
some  system  for  general  operation  after  they  have  come 
together ;  for  as  yet,  we  are  this  way,  as  much  undecided 
upon  that  subject,  as  we  have  been.  For  myself  I  think 
Philadelphia  must  become  the  central  point,  and  the  resi- 
dence of  most  of  the  executive  memhers  of  the  general 
society.  We  must  have  in  some  one  place,  a  few  men, 
to  whom  the  immediate  management  of  the  whole  con- 
cern may  be  intrusted.  Brethren  widely  separated,  can- 
not act  with  that  concert,  promptness,  and  decision, 
which  a  concern  this  nature  and  importance  demands. 
Will  each  of  the  societies  formed  at  the  south,  send  one 
or  more  to  the  contemplated  meeting  in  Philadelphia? 
I  think  the  time  you  have  proposed  for  that  meeting  will 
be  as  favorable  as  any  one  that  could  have  been  named. 

* '  We  wish  to  see  you  again  this  way ;  though  while  we 
believe  you  to  be  employed  for  the  good  cause,  we  will 
patiently  wait.  The  anniversary  sermon  to  our  mission 
society,  which  I  proposed  for  you  to  preach,  will,  in 
consequence  of  your  absence,  be  delivered  by  Mr.  Sharp, 
on  the  first  Wednesday  of  January. 

"Do  you  hear  any  thing  from  Kentucky  and  the 
western  states  ?  There  are  many  Baptists  in  those  parts. 
Take  some  measures,  if  you  can,  to  excite  them  to  co- 
operation. 

"Wishing  you  much  of  the  presence  and  blessing  of 
the  great  Head  of  the  church,  I  subscribe  myself,  your 
friend  and  brother,  in  the  precious  Saviour. 

"L.  BOLLES.'' 


136  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

The  second  letter  is  from  the  lamented  Staughton,  who, 
for  several  years,  tilled  the  office  of  corresponding  sec- 
retary of  the  Board.    He  writes  as  follows : 

"Philadelphia,  December  17,  1813. 

'  *  My  Dear  Brother  : — I  lia  ve  received,  and  thank  you 
for  your  communication  of  the  6th  inst.  I  rejoice  that 
the  Lord  has  so  greatly  succeeded  your  exertions,  and  I 
hope  the  example  of  existing  societies,  will  procure  the 
origination  of  many  more.  The  leaven  is  in  the  meal, 
and  its  operation  is  inevitable. 

"On  this  sheet  you  will  learn  how  far  we  have  pro- 
gressed in  our  own  society.  Circulars  like  the  above  are 
now  distributing,  and  I  hope  by  April  next,  we  shall 
come  out  a  pretty  large  body.  The  meeting  in  April  is 
for  organizing  the  establishment.  Our  annual  meeting 
is  the  first  Wednesday  in  June.  With  respect  to  the 
place  of  meeting  of  the  general  committee,  I  think  our 
society  ought  to  be  passive.  I  was  conversing  last  eve- 
ning with  Doctor  Rogers  on  the  subject,  who  is  of  opin- 
ion with  myself,  that  the  societies  which  exist  at  the 
greatest  distance  from  some  central  point  should  decide 
for  themselves.  I  am  persuaded  that  our  society  will 
acquiesce  with  cheerfulness  in  such  a  decision.  Were  we 
to  consult  personal  convenience  and  gratification,  we 
should  at  once  recommend  Philadelphia. 

"What  if  you  were  to  drop  a  line  to  brother  Bald- 
win on  the  subject;  he  is  president  of  the  American 
Society.  The  meeting  contemplated  wheresoever  held, 
will  be  attended  with  considerable  expense,  and  that 
expense  will  be  in  effect  a  proportionate  abstraction  from 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  137 

the  funds  of  the  mission ;  to  have  the  point  of  convening 
as  central  as  possible,  is  therefore  obviously  desirable. 

' '  I  had  no  doubt  of  your  finding  an  affectionate  hospi- 
table reception  among  our  southern  brethren.  I  trust 
your  company  and  labours  may  kindle  a  flame  of  zeal  for 
the  Lord  of  Hosts  that  shall  never  go  out  or  subside. 
You  did  not  mention  the  state  of  your  health,  I  hope 
you  find  it  improved  and  that  a  southern  winter  will  pre- 
pare you  for  a  northern  summer.  Wishing  you  much  of 
the  presence  of  our  best  friend,  and  that  your  useful- 
ness in  the  churches  of  Christ,  and  in  the  salvation  of 
the  heathen,  may  be  permanent  and  growing. 

'  *  1  am  your  affectionate  friend  and  brother, 

"Wm.  Staughton.'* 

About  this  period  the  Philadelphia  Society,  formed 
through  Mr.  Rice's  agency,  interested  itself  in  prepar- 
ing the  way  for  the  general  meeting  proposed  to  be  held, 
by  sending  a  circular  to  prominent  individuals  and 
churches,  inviting  their  attendance  and  co-operation.  In 
this  circular  they  use  the  following  language,  "On  the 
conviction  wrought  upon  the  minds  of  our  brethren  Jud- 
son  and  Rice,  in  India,  respecting  Christian  baptism,  and 
their  cheerful  submission  thereto,  you  have  already  been 
apprised.  This  change  of  sentiment  in  those  men  of 
God,  must  convince  us  of  the  necessity  of  imitating  the 
laudable  examples  already  set  us  by  othei-s  of  the  Ameri- 
can Baptists,  in  giving  every  encouragement  and  as- 
sistance towards  the  furtherance  of  such  benevolent  de- 
signs, as  are  connected  with  the  bringing  into  the  fold 
of  Jesus,  the  far  separated,  and  distant  members  of  the 
same  redeemed  family. 


138  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

' '  We  cannot  doubt,  beloved  brethren,  your  cordial  dis- 
position to  act  with  us,  and  therefore  solicit  your  com- 
pany, as  far  as  is  possible,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in 
April  next,  at  3  o'clock,  p.m.  that  we  may  be  enabled 
to  give  vitality  to  that  union  of  exertion,  which  past  ex- 
perience teaches  us  will  not  be  in  vain.  Duty  is  ours, 
the  event  is  God's.  Let  us  begin,  and  persist,  and  we 
shall  prevail.  Pray  ye  for  the  peace,  and  increase  of 
the  church;  they  shall  prosper  that  love  her.  Ye  that 
mention  the  name  of  the  Lord,  keep  not  silence  your- 
selves, nor  let  Him  rest  in  silence  until  he  establish,  and 
until  he  render  'Jerusalem  a  praise  in  the  whole  earth.'  " 

The  meeting  having  been  appointed  by  general  con- 
sent to  be  held  in  Philadelphia  on  the  18th  of  May,  1814, 
at  that  time  a  number  of  ministers  and  delegates  from 
different  parts  of  the  United  States  assembled.  Dr. 
Richard  Purman  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  Dr.  Thomas 
Baldwin  appointed  secretary.  After  a  careful  considera- 
tion of  the  whole  subject  for  several  days,  it  was  unan- 
imously decided  to  form  the  "General  Convention  of 
the  Baptist  denomination  in  the  United  States  for  For- 
eign Missions. ' '  Through  this  association  all  the  foreign 
missionary  operations  of  the  American  Baptists  have 
been  conducted.  Most  of  those  revered  men,  who  were 
present  on  that  interesting  occasion,  now  sleep  in  Jesus, 
and  are  mingling  in  the  joys  of  the  upper  world,  but 
the  results  of  their  labour  have  been  extensively  felt  in 
the  dissemination  of  the  gospel  among  the  heathen.  Many 
a  pagan  has  abandoned  his  idols  and  yielded  to  the  peace- 
ful reign  of  the  Prince  of  Peace.  Nor  will  these  exer- 
tions be  remitted,  until  his  triumph  shall  be  complete  and 
the  whole  earth  be  full  of  his  glory.  Writing  to  Mr. 
Judson  about  this  period,  he  adverts  to  the  incipient 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  139 

measures  which  had  been  adopted  among  his  brethren  in 
this  country,  and  his  own  desire  to  return  to  India. 

"Rockingham,  Vermont,  September  30th,  1814. 

"My  Very  Dear  Brother: — Your  letter  of  the  25th 
of  August,  1813,  from  Rangoon,  I  had  the  peculiar  satis- 
faction to  receive  a  few  da3^s  since;  and  have  also  seen 
sister  Judson's  letter  to  her  parents  and  sisters.  These 
I  have  read  with  the  deepest  interest — I  rejoice  much 
in  the  good  hand  of  our  God  upon  you  in  opening  your 
way  to  Rangoon ;  but  feel  greatly  pained  to  find  myself 
still  at  so  great  a  distance  from  the  dearest  friends  I 
have  on  earth.  Several  times  have  I  written  since  my 
arrival  in  this  country.  By  the  last  opportunity,  a  copy 
of  the  'Proceedings  of  the  Baptist  Convention  for  mis- 
sionary purposes,'  was  forwarded,  which  when  it  comes 
to  hand,  will  inform  you  what  is  going  forward  in  this 
country,  among  our  baptized  brethren.  This  convention, 
as  you  will  perceive,  is  composed  of  delegates  from  the 
Mission  Societies  formed  throughout  all  the  United 
States. 

"The  Baptist  Board  for  Foreign  Missions,  instituted 
by  the  Convention,  readily  undertook  your  support  and 
mine,  but  thought  it  necessary  for  me  to  continue  my 
labours  in  this  country,  for  a  time.  Of  this  I  am  con- 
vinced in  my  judgment,  though  it  is  extremely  painful 
to  my  heart  to  be  thus  detained  here.  I  hope,  hoAvever, 
in  the  course  of  five  or  six  months  to  get  the  Baptists 
so  well  rallied,  that  the  necessity  of  my  remaining  will 
no  longer  exist.  And  I  certainly  wish  not  to  remain  here 
a  moment  longer  than  my  stay  will  more  advance  the 
mission,  than  my  departure  for  the  field  again.  I  have 
addressed  a  printed  letter  to  the  Baptist  Associations 


140  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

generally,  and  I  am  happy  to  learn  that  the  subject  is 
taken  up  by  them  with  readiness.  I  entertain  the  hope 
that  such  arrangements  may  be  made  as  to  enable  the 
Board  to  send  its  annual  reports  to  all  the  churches  of 
our  order  throughout  the  country,  and  that  many  of  the 
churches  will  come  into  the  measure  of  annual  contribu- 
tions for  the  missions. 

"So  constantly''  have  the  concerns  of  the  mission  oc- 
cupied my  attention,  that  I  have  seen  my  parents  but 
once  since  my  arrival  in  the  United  States,  and  that  only 
one  day,  a  year  ago.  Plymouth,  I  have  not  been  able 
to  visit  till  quite  recently ;  the  Sabbath  before  last,  I  had 
the  happiness  of  passing  there.  In  your  father's  house, 
I  felt  as  if  among  my  own  relations,  and  regretted  much 
that  it  was  not  in  my  power  to  remain  longer  with  friends 
so  particularly  dear  to  me ;  your  parents  and  sisters  were 
in  usual  health.  Your  father  inquired  respecting  my 
change  of  sentiment  and  present  views,  but  made  not  a 
single  remark  tending  to  the  support  of  infant  baptism. 

"Several  promising  young  men  of  the  right  sort  for 
missionaries,  with  whom  I  have  become  acquainted,  will 
I  believe,  engage  in  this  great  service.  I  long  for  the 
time  to  arrive,  that  I  may  once  more  associate  with  my 
dear,  very  dear  brother  and  sister  Judson;  till  which 
happy,  and  much  to  be  prayed  for  day,  permit  me  to 
assure  you  of  my  continual,  and  most  affectionate  regard. 

"My  dear  brother  and  sister  Judson, 

"Luther  Rice." 

In  the  commencement  of  denominational  action  among 
the  Baptists,  the  subject  of  this  memoir  beheld  the  ac- 
complishment of  a  work  dear  to  his  heart.    For  this,  he 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  141 

had  toiled  and  prayed.  On  his  southern  tour,  prepara- 
tory to  the  meeting  in  May,  he  had  collected  nearly 
$1,300  for  the  mission ;  arrangements  also  were  made  by 
him,  in  various  places,  for  future  and  efficient  aid. 
About  twenty  missionary  societies  had  been  formed  in 
different  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  he  now  saw 
the  system  which  was  likely  to  effect  such  vast  results, 
in  complete  operation. 

During  the  important  meeting  to  which  allusion  has 
just  been  made,  Mr,  Rice,  in  connection  with  a  report 
of  his  labours  in  his  southern  tour,  made  some  valuable 
suggestions,  which,  doubtless,  contributed  to  assist  the 
Board  in  their  future  decisions.  They  furnish  evidence 
of  the  deep  interest  he  felt  in  this  subject,  and  the  wide 
scope  he  had  allowed  his  thoughts  to  take. 

While  the  Baptist  churches  in  this  country  were  thus 
led  to  the  adoption  of  systematic  measures,  to  promote 
the  spread  of  the  gospel  in  heathen  lands,  the  hand  of 
Providence  was  opening  to  their  view,  a  most  inviting 
field  of  labour.  By  a  mysterious,  and  apparently  adverse 
combination  of  circumstances,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson  were 
driven  to  Rangoon.  They  were  actually  compelled  to 
leave  the  region  in  which  they  had  fondly  hoped  to  live, 
as  heralds  of  the  cross,  to  labour  for  the  salvation  of 
heathen  tribes.  But  an  all-wise  Jehovah,  designed  these 
events,  as  preparatory  to  results,  which  were  to  gladden 
another,  and  equally  wretched  portion  of  the  pagan 
world.  These  results  are  written  in  the  history  of  the 
Burman  mission.  Reference  to  this  interesting  subject 
is  found  in  the  reflections  which  follow  from  the  pen  of 
Mr.  Rice.  "Soon  after  my  parting  with  brother  and 
sister  Judson,  they  went  from  the  Isle  of  France  to 
Madras,  intending  to  proceed  from  that  place  to  Penang, 


142  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

or  to  some  point  where  they  might  labour  for  the  salva- 
tion of  the  Malays;  but  an  order  soon  issued  from 
government,  to  send  them  to  England,  to  get  them  out 
of  the  country.  Just  at  that  crisis,  a  small  vessel  was 
about  to  sail  from  Madras  for  Rangoon,  in  Burmah; 
and  as  the  only  alternative  to  escape,  being  absolutely 
driven  away  from  the  field  of  their  contemplated  exer- 
tions, and  of  their  hopes,  they  took  passage,  and  were 
thus  conveyed  to  a  very  important  position  in  the  Bur- 
man  empire.  Finding  it  practicable  to  stay  there,  they 
had  no  wish  to  leave  the  place,  and  their  purpose  was 
at  once  fixed,  to  give  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  Messed 
God  to  the  eighteen  millions  of  that  dark  empire,  and 
to  the  many  millions  of  the  contiguous  region!  Thus, 
by  a  manifestly  special  and  very  signal  interposition  of 
Divine  Providence,  were  they,  without  themselves  intend- 
ing it,  conveyed  to  that  very  important  missionary  field; 
and  thus,  most  providentially,  was  the  Burman  mission 
commenced.  And  by  many  signal  interpositions  of  the 
same  Divine  Providence,  has  it  been  brought  to  its  pres- 
ent condition  of  unusual  prosperity,  and  unparalleled 
promise.    Glory  be  to  God ! ' ' 

The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Judson  to 
Mr.  Rice,  will  furnish  some  idea  of  the  feelings  of  him- 
self and  his  wife,  as  they  were  conducted  by  their 
Heavenly  Father,  to  the  scene  of  their  future  labours. 

"A  mission  to  Rangoon  we  had  been  accustomed  to 
regard  with  horror.  But  it  was  now  brought  to  a  point ; 
we  must  either  venture  there,  or  be  sent  to  Europe.  All 
other  paths  were  shut  up,  and  thus  situated,  though  dis- 
suaded by  all  our  friends  at  Madras,  we  commended  our- 
selves to  the  care  of  God,  and  embarked  the  22nd  of 
June.    It  was  a  crazy  old  vessel. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  143 

* '  The  captain  was  the  only  person  on  board  that  could 
speak  our  language,  and  we  had  no  other  apartment 
than  what  was  made  by  canvass.  Our  passage  was  very 
tedious.  Mrs.  Judson  was  taken  dangerously  ill,  and 
continued  so,  until,  at  one  period,  I  came  to  experience 
the  awful  sensation  which  necessarily  resulted  from  the 
expectation  of  an  immediate  separation  from  my  be- 
loved wife,  the  only  remaining  companion  of  my  wander- 
ings. About  the  same  time,  the  captain  being  unable  to 
make  the  Carnicobar  island,  where  it  was  intended  to 
take  in  a  cargo  of  cocoa-nuts,  we  were  driven  into  a 
dangerous  strait,  between  the  little  and  great  Andamans, 
two  savage  coasts,  where  the  captain  had  never  been 
before,  and  where,  if  we  had  been  cast  ashore,  we  should 
(according  to  all  accounts)  have  been  killed  and  eaten 
by  the  natives.  But  as  one  evil  is  sometimes  an  antidote 
to  another,  so  it  happened  with  us.  Our  being  driven 
into  this  dangerous,  but  quiet  channel,  brought  immedi- 
ate relief  to  the  agitated  and  exhausted  frame  of  Mrs. 
Judson,  and  conduced  essentially  to  her  recovery.  And 
in  the  event  we  were  safely  conducted  over  the  black 
rocks,  which  we  sometimes  saw  in  the  gulf  below,  and 
on  the  eastern  side  of  the  islands  found  favorable  winds, 
which  gently  wafted  us  forward  to  Rangoon.  But  on 
arriving  here,  other  trials  awaited  us. 

"We  had  never  before  seen  a  place  where  European 
influence  had  not  contributed  to  smooth  and  soften  the 
rough  features  of  uncultivated  nature.  The  prospect  of 
Rangoon,  as  we  approached,  was  quite  disheartening.  I 
went  on  shore,  just  at  night,  to  take  a  view  of  the  place, 
and  the  mission-house,  but  so  dark,  and  cheerless,  and 
unpromising  did  all  things  appear,  that  the  evening  of 
that  day,  after  my  return  to  the  ship,  we  have  marked 


144  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

as  the  most  gloomy  and  distressing  that  we  ever  passed. 
Instead  of  rejoicing,  as  we  ought  to  have  done,  in  hav- 
ing found  a  heathen  land,  from  which  we  were  not  im- 
mediately driven  away,  such  were  our  weaknesses,  that 
we  felt  we  had  no  portion  left  here  below,  and  found 
consolation  only  in  looking  beyond  our  pilgrimage,  which 
we  tried  to  flatter  ourselves  would  be  short,  to  that  peace- 
ful region  where  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and 
the  weary  are  at  rest.  But  if  ever  we  commended  our- 
selves, sincerely  and  without  reserve,  to  the  disposal  of 
our  Heavenly  Father,  it  was  on  this  evening.  And  after 
some  recollection  and  prayer,  we  experienced  something 
of  the  presence  of  Him  who  cleaveth  closer  than  a 
brother;  something  of  that  peace  which  our  Saviour  be- 
queathed to  his  followers — a  legacy  which  we  know  from 
this  experience,  endures  when  the  fleeting  pleasures  and 
unsubstantial  riches  of  the  world  are  passed  away. 

* '  The  next  day  Mrs.  Judson  was  carried  into  the  town, 
being  unable  to  walk,  and  we  found  a  home  at  the 
mission-house,  though  Mr.  Carey  was  absent  at  Ava.  We 
soon  began  to  find  that  it  was  in  our  hearts  to  live  and 
die  with  the  Burmans.  We  gradually  became  reconciled 
to  the  place;  and  from  a  conviction  of  the  superior  im- 
portance of  this  to  any  unoccupied  station,  and  a  hope 
that,  notwithstanding  the  frightful  accounts  we  had  re- 
ceived, we  should  find  it  practicable  to  remain,  we  were 
induced  to  pitch  our  tent.  We  applied  very  soon  to  the 
study  of  the  language ;  and  in  this  we  have  been  closely 
engaged  to  the  present  time,  a  period  of  about  two 
years,  so  far  as  Mrs.  Judson 's  health,  and  my  numerous 
interruptions  have  permitted." 

Having  succeeded  in  his  desire  to  effect  a  denomina- 
tional organization,  Mr.  Rice  became  solicitous  respect- 


MEMOIR  (3P  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  145 

ing  the  course  he  should  pursue :  Whether  to  return 
immediately  to  India,  or  to  remain  still  longer  in  this 
country.  In  consulting  his  brethren,  it  was  unanimously 
thought,  that  he  should  continue  to  prosecute  the  agency 
among  the  American  churches.  It  was  believed,  that  his 
personal  labours  were  essential  to  mature  the  plans  which 
had  been  formed,  as  no  man  could  be  found  so  well  quali- 
fied to  represent  and  advocate  the  interests  of  the  mis- 
sion. The  following  are  among  the  first  of  the  official 
acts  of  the  Board: 

"1.  Certain  communications  were  made  to  the  Board 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rice,  containing  remarks  on  fields  for 
missionary  labour;  together  with  a  statement  of  the 
moneys  he  had  received  and  expended  on  his  journey 
to  the  southern  states;  on  which  Resolved,  That  the 
Board  possess  a  high  sense  of  the  zealous,  disinterested, 
and  faithful  services  of  their  beloved  brother,  and  feel  a 
lively  emotion  of  gratitude  to  the  Lord,  for  the  success 
with  which  his  labours  have  been  crowned.  Ordered,  that 
the  communication  be  published. 

"2.  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Rice  be  appointed,  under  the 
patronage  of  this  Board,  as  their  missionary,  to  continue 
his  itinerant  services  in  these  United  States  for  a  rea- 
sonable time ;  with  a  view  to  excite  the  public  mind  more 
generally,  to  engage  in  missionary  exertions,  and  to  as- 
sist in  originating  societies  or  institutions,  for  carrying 
the  missionary  design  into  execution." 

In  accordance  with  the  earnest  wishes  of  the  Board, 
Mr.  Rice  continued  his  agency,  and  employed  the  whole 
of  the  following  year  in  the  northern  and  eastern  states, 
visiting  churches  and  associations;  carrying  on  at  the 
same  time,  an  extensive  correspondence  with  prominent 
individuals  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States.    Of 


146  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

sucli  importance  did  the  Board  consider  these  labours, 
that  in  the  spring  of  the  next  year,  at  a  regular  meet- 
ing, the  following  entry  was  made  in  their  minutes : 

"However  desirable  it  might  be  for  brother  Rice  to 
return  immediately  to  India,  pursuant  to  his  own  wishes, 
to  be  associated  with  brother  Judson,  and  the  wishes  of 
the  Board  to  avail  themselves  of  his  services  in  the 
Burman  mission,  yet  such  is  the  actual  posture  of  the 
missionary  business  in  this  country,  and  the  course  clear- 
ly indicated  by  an  over-ruling  and  all-wise  Providence, 
as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board,  imperiously  to  require 
his  longer  detention,  and  farther  labours  here  :  therefore, 

''Voted,  That  brother  Rice  for  some  time  longer,  con- 
tinue as  an  agent  of  this  Board ;  subject  however,  to  such 
openings  in  Providence,  and  such  success  attendant  on 
his  labour,  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board,  may  render 
his  continuance  in  this  country  no  longer  requisite,  and 
his  removal  to  a  missionary  station  requisite  and 
proper. ' ' 

During  his  agency  in  New  England,  Mr.  Rice  found 
frequent  opportunities  of  conferring  with  his  Pedobap- 
tist  friends  in  relation  to  the  change  which  had  taken 
place  in  his  sentiments.  In  these  interviews,  he  did  not 
fail  to  maintain  with  becoming  earnestness  the  position 
he  occupied.  Believers'  immersion,  was  in  his  estima- 
tion of  great  practical  importance,  he  could  not  therefore 
be  prevented  from  defending  and  urging  it  among  those 
with  whom  he  was  formerly  connected.  But  in  all  his 
endeavors  to  influence  others  in  this  duty,  his  manner 
was  kind  and  conciliatory.  Knowing  by  experience  the 
power  of  early  prepossessions,  he  was  prepared  to  sympa- 
thize even  with  the  prejudices  of  many,  who  while  they 
neglected  duty,  did  it  ignorantly  in  unbelief. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  147 

In  their  annual  report  for  1815,  the  Board  thus  ex- 
press their  continued  conviction  of  the  usefulness  of  his 
exertions. ' '  The  detailed  account  of  the  labours  of  brother 
Rice  will  be  read  with  interest.  Devoted  to  the  service 
of  God  in  the  cause  of  missions  and  acting  as  agent  of 
the  Society,  his  endeavors  to  excite  and  direct  the  godly 
zeal  of  associations,  to  originate  missionary  institutions, 
and  to  contribute  to  the  efficiency  of  the  convention  and 
its  Board,  have  been  active  and  incessant.  Impressed 
with  the  importance  of  his  past  services,  and  believing 
that  there  are  sections  of  our  country  in  which  his  future 
labours  may  prove  eminently  useful,  how  desirable  so- 
ever, on  some  accounts,  his  early  removal  to  a  missionary 
station  may  appear,  the  Board  are  of  opinion  that  it  is 
their  real  interest  to  continue  him  some  time  longer  in  his 
present  engagements.  Conformably  to  this  conviction, 
they  have  resolved  on  his  remaining  a  while  their  agent 
in  the  United  States.  The  Board  most  affectionately  com- 
mend him  to  the  favor  and  kind  offices  of  their  Christian 
brethren.  The  fraternal  manner  in  which  his  past  ser- 
vices have  been  welcomed,  combined  with  the  high  im- 
portance of  the  work  in  which  he  is  engaged,  create  an 
assurance  that  he  will  continue  to  be  received  as  a  brother 
beloved. ' ' 

The  lively  zeal  with  which  he  continued  to  prosecute 
his  labours  was  so  unremitting,  as  to  leave  but  little  time 
even  for  correspondence  with  his  most  beloved  relatives. 
In  a  letter  to  his  brother,  he  observes,  "excuse  me,  my 
dear  brother,  certainly  it  is  not  a  pleasure  to  me  to  be 
the  occasion  of  disappointment  to  my  friends.  The  ob- 
ject I  have  in  view,  I  dare  not  suffer  myself  for  a  moment 
to  lose  sight  of,  or  to  omit  any  opportunity  of  promot- 
ing.    To  this  every  thing  else  must  yield,  and  when  in 


148  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

the  prosecution  of  this,  disappointments  are  occasioned 
to  my  friends,  I  can  only  regret  the  fact  without  being 
able  to  prevent  it." 

In  a  similar  strain  he  thus  writes  to  his  brother,  Oc- 
tober 20,  1815,  "Never,  that  I  recollect,  did  I  leave  any 
spot  with  more  painful  and  melancholy  reluctance,  than 
I  felt  in  parting  with  our  parents  and  your  family,  on 
the  day  when  last  I  had  the  pleasure  of  visiting  my  native 
place.  A  sort  of  gloomy  presentment,  that  I  should  not 
see  our  dear  mother,  again,  oppressed  my  spirits.  I  had 
travelled  all  the  preceding  night,  and  nothing  but  a  se- 
vere conviction  of  duty  which  left  no  alternative,  could 
have  compelled  me  to  leave  your  house  that  day.  My 
anxiety  to  hasten  a  companion  to  my  dear  Judson,  at 
Rangoon  (as  I  could  not  go  myself  at  present),  induced 
me  to  visit  Massachusetts  at  that  time,  and  occasioned  a 
small  deviation  from  the  track  I  had  marked  out,  and 
submitted  to  the  Board  as  that  which  I  wished  to  pursue. 
I  perceive,  my  dear  brother,  that  you  are  mistaken  as  to 
the  causes  which  allot  so  small  a  portion  of  my  time  to 
the  place  of  my  nativity — ^the  fire-side  of  my  dear  par- 
ents and  brother.  The  only  reason  is,  the  interests  of  the 
great  object  to  which  my  little  life  is  devoted,  require 
my  presence  elsewhere.  I  have  said  to  myself,  after  com- 
pleting what  of  the  Lord's  business  he  has  assigned  me, 
I  shall  have  time  enough  in  this  world  or  in  the  next  to 
enjoy  my  friends." 

During  the  year  1815-16,  his  self-denying,  laborious 
efforts,  were  continued  chiefly  in  the  western  and  south- 
ern states.    In  closing  his  report  to  the  Board  he  says: 

"The  societies  mentioned  in  this  letter,  as  auxiliary 
to  the  Board,  and  those  mentioned  in  my  letter  of  May, 
1815,  exhibit  the  pleasing  and  very  encouraging  fact  of 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  149 

at  least  SEVENTY-ONE  MISSION  SOCIETIES,  dis- 
tinctly combining  their  means  and  their  exertions  in  the 
noble  design  of  aiding  the  heralds  of  the  cross  to  preach 
among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 

"In  closing  this  communication,  it  is  impossible  for 
me  to  abstain  from  an  expression  of  devout  gratitude  to 
the  Father  of  Mercies  for  his  great  goodness  in  convey- 
ing me  in  safety  through  the  various  and  extended  jour- 
neyings  of  so  many  thousand  miles  the  year  past;  fre- 
quently in  lonely  ways,  usually  solitary,  and  sometimes 
in  the  night,  but  no  disaster  has  been  permitted  to  oc- 
cur. Also  the  uniformly  favorable  countenance  and 
kindness  of  the  people  in  all  places  through  which  my 
course  has  led,  have  alleviated  the  painfulness  of  toil, 
exposure  and  fatigue;  beguiled  anxious  solicitude,  sup- 
ported and  strengthened  confidence  in  the  enlarged  suc- 
cess of  the  undertaking,  and  claim  my  warmest  thanks." 

The  following  letter  from  Mr.  Judson,  may  be  here 
appropriately  inserted : 

"Rangoon,  August  3,  1816. 

"My  Dear  Brother  Rice: — I  hope  you  will  believe 
that  the  reason  of  my  writing  to  you  only  one  short 
letter  hitherto,  was  not  that  I  had  no  desire  to  write  you, 
or  that  I  doubted  whether  a  letter  would  be  very  ac- 
ceptable to  you;  but  simply,  because  I  have  never  till 
the  present  time,  had  any  reason  to  hope  that  a  letter 
forwarded  from  this  place,  would  reach  America  before 
3"ou  left  it.  From  a  late  letter  of  yours,  however,  to 
Doctor  Carey,  1  conclude  you  will  receive  this. 

* '  You  remember,  that  the  furlough  we  gave  you  at  the 
Isle  of  France,  extended  to  two  years  only.     Little  did 


150  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

we  then  think,  that  three  or  four  years  would  elapse  be- 
fore we  met  again.  I  rejoice,  however,  that  you  are 
able  to  give  so  good  an  account  of  your  time.  I  con- 
gratulate you  on  the  success  which  has  crowned  your 
labours  in  America.  It  really  surpasses  my  highest  ex- 
pectations. Still  permit  me  to  hope,  that,  as  you  are 
spending  the  prime  of  your  life  in  such  valuable  services 
in  America,  for  the  heathen,  you  will  give  them  your 
personal  services  in  your  old  age;  and  that  we  shall 
unite  our  prayers  and  labours,  and  finally,  lay  our  bones 
together  in  an  eastern  clime. 

"Since  you  left  us,  we  have  been  called  to  rejoice  and 
mourn  over  a  dead  child.  He  died  three  months  ago, 
at  the  age  of  eight  months.  So  that  we  are  now  reduced 
to  our  former  solitary  situation.  We  are,  however,  daily 
expecting  brother  Hough  and  family.  He  has  already 
sent  round  a  press  and  types,  which  have  arrived  in  the 
river,  and  expects  to  follow  himself,  the  first  opportu- 
nity. I  do  not  doubt  that  you  have  written  me  by  Mr. 
Hough,  but  I  have  not  received  any  letters  that  he  may 
have  brought  from  America. 

"I  have  been  almost  blind  for  four  months  past, 
afflicted  at  the  same  time  with  a  nervous  affection  in  the 
head,  which  has  unfitted  me  for  any  exertion.  I  was 
taken  in  the  midst  of  the  last  hot  season,  on  the  eleventh 
of  April.  I  have  at  times  almost  despaired  of  recovery, 
but  have  been  a  little  better  lately.  I  was  on  the  point 
of  sailing  to  Bengal,  when  the  news  of  brother  Hough's 
arrival  there  induced  me  to  wait  until  he  should  be  set- 
tled here  when  I  could  leave  more  conveniently. 

"I  have  completed  a  grammar  of  the  Burman  lan- 
guage, which  I  hope  will  be  useful  to  you;  also  a  tract, 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  151 

which  I  hope  to  get  printed  as  soon  as  Mr.  Hough  ar- 
rives. 

"If  any  ask  what  success  I  meet  with  among  the  na- 
tives?— tell  them  to  look  at  Otaheite,  where  the  mission- 
aries laboured  nearly  twenty  years,  and  not  meeting  with 
the  slightest  success,  began  to  be  neglected  by  all  the 
Christian  world,  and  the  very  name  of  Otaheite  began 
to  be  a  shame  to  the  cause  of  missions ;  and  now  the  bless- 
ing begins  to  come.  Tell  them  to  look  at  Bengal  also, 
where  Doctor  Thomas  had  been  laboring  seventeen  years, 
that  is,  from  1783  to  1800,  before  the  first  convert, 
Krishno,  was  baptized.  When  a  few  converts  are  once 
made,  things  move  on.  But  it  requires  a  much  longer 
time  than  I  have  been  here,  to  make  a  first  impression 
on  a  heathen  people.  If  they  ask  again,  w^hat  prospect 
of  ultimate  success  is  there? — tell  them  as  much  as  that 
there  is  an  Almighty  and  faithful  God  who  will  perform 
his  promises,  and  no  more.  If  this  does  not  satisfy  them, 
beg  them  to  let  me  stay  and  try  it,  and  let  you  come,  and 
to  give  us  our  hread:  or,  if  they  are  unwilling  to  risk 
their  bread  on  such  a  forlorn  hope  as  has  nothing  but 
the  WORD  OF  GOD  to  sustain  it,  beg  of  them  at  least 
not  to  prevent  others  from  giving  us  bread.  And  if  we 
live  some  twenty  or  thirty  years,  they  may  hear  from  us 
again. 

"I  have  already  written  many  things  home  about 
Rangoon.  But  one  large  parcel  which  I  forwarded  to 
Bengal,  is  lost,  I  fear,  not  having  had  any  accounts  of 
it.  This  climate  is  good,  better  than  any  other  part  of 
the  East.  But  it  is  a  most  filthy,  wretched  place.  Mis- 
sionaries must  not  calculate  on  the  least  comfort,  but 
what  they  find  in  one  another  and  their  work.  However, 
if  a  ship  was  lying  in  the  river,  ready  to  convey  me  to 


152  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

any  part  of  the  world  I  should  choose,  and  that  too  with 
the  entire  approbation  of  all  my  Christian  friends,  I 
would  prefer  dying  to  embarking.  This  is  an  immense 
field;  and  since  the  Serampore  missionaries  have  left  it 
wholly  thrown  on  the  hands  of  the  American  Baptists. 
If  we  desert  it,  the  blood  of  the  Burmans  will  be  required 
of  us.  Nancy  unites  with  me  in  an  affectionate  remem- 
brance; we  both  long  to  see  you  again. 

"Yours  ever, 

"A.  JUDSON.'* 

The  reader  will  form  some  idea  of  the  multiplied  priva- 
tions and  toils  of  Mr.  Rice  at  this  time,  by  reference  to  a 
familiar  letter  to  his  brother,  dated  October  29,  1816. 
''The  25th  of  July,  I  left  Philadelphia,  and  arrived  in 
Warrenton,  N.  C,  on  the  evening  of  Friday,  2nd  August, 
at  least  370  miles.  After  attending  the  North  Carolina 
general  meeting  of  correspondence,  near  that  place,  I 
took  stage  on  the  night  of  Monday,  about  midnight,  hav- 
ing been  occupied  after  meeting,  till  that  hour,  in  writ- 
ing, without  going  to  bed,  and  about  2  o'clock,  on  Wed- 
nesday morning,  arrived  again  in  Richmond,  Va.,  more 
than  100  miles  from  Warrenton.  In  the  evening  of  the 
same  day,  preached  in  Richmond,  wrote  twenty-one  let- 
ters on  Thursday,  besides  doing  some  other  necessary 
business,  and  at  3  o'clock,  on  Friday  morning,  left  that 
city,  and  preached  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  in 
Goochland  County,  forty  miles  from  Richmond.  At  a 
yearly  meeting,  same  place,  preached  again  on  Saturday 
at  12  o'clock,  and  on  the  Sabbath,  that  is,  the  next  day, 
was  with   the   Appomattox  Association;   preaching   in 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  153 

Prince  Edward  County,  about  sixty  miles  from  where  I 
was  in  Goochland  County. 

"The  following  Sabbath,  18th  of  August,  I  was  with 
the  County  Line  Association,  in  Caswell  County,  N.  C, 
having  had  but  an  easy  week's  ride  of  about  166  miles; 
and  was  with  the  Mountain  Association,  in  Burke  Coun- 
ty, N.  C,  the  next  Sabbath,  having  gone  that  week,  214 
miles.  The  following  Sabbath,  was  with  the  Shiloh  As- 
sociation, in  Culpeper  County,  Va.,  having  been  under 
the  necessity  of  riding  more  than  four  hundred  miles  in 
less  than  six  days.  Was  at  the  Green  Briar  Association 
the  next  Sabbath,  in  Monroe  County,  Va.,  having  gone 
in  the  week,  the  latter  part  of  which  was  rainy,  about 
222  miles.  The  next  Sabbath,  at  the  North  District  As- 
sociation, Montgomery  County,  Kentucky,  290  miles; 
raining  all  the  week,  excessively  bad  roads,  mountains, 
rivers,  creeks,  and  mud — my  health  began  to  be  im- 
paired. The  following  Sabbath,  with  the  Franklin  As- 
sociation, near  Frankfort,  Ky.,  only  about  100  miles  rid- 
ing for  me  the  whole  week,  nearly  three  days  of  which 
were  spent  in  Lexington,  preaching,  hearing  preaching, 
visiting,  and  necessary  business,  &c.  &c. 

"The  Friday  following,  I  was  at  the  Union  Associa- 
tion, in  Knox  County,  Ky.,  and  left  it  the  same  evening, 
intending  to  be  with  the  Caney  Fork  Association,  in 
Warren  County,  Tennessee,  on  the  Sabbath;  but  after 
very  severe  riding,  failed,  finding  the  distance  too  great, 
and  unable  to  procure  a  fresh  horse  by  the  way ;  but  the 
next  Sabbath,  6th  of  October,  was  with  the  Flint  River 
Association,  Bedford  County,  Tennessee,  having  gone 
about  300  miles  in  the  week.  The  next  Sabbath,  was 
with  the  Tennessee  Association,  in  Blount  County,  Ten- 
nessee, 226  miles  the  week's  ride.    The  Friday  following 


154  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

was  at  the  opening  of  the  Broad  River  Association,  in 
Rurtherford  County,  N.  C.  Left  that  on  the  same  after- 
noon, and  on  Sabbath  morning,  by  meeting-time,  was 
with  the  Pee  Dee  Association,  in  Montgomery  County, 
N.  C,  riding  between  the  two,  about  120  miles. 

"Being  obliged  to  ride  in  the  night,  on  Friday  night 
I  got  lost.  The  roads  in  this  part  of  our  country  are 
none  of  them  fenced,  and  are  mostly  through  wood;  I 
had  to  go  that  night  in  by  roads,  but  little  travelled — 
missed  the  way,  got  out  of  roads,  at  length,  into  mere 
paths,  and  ultimately,  lost  the  path — found  myself  alone 
in  a  dreary  wilderness,  unable  to  discover  the  point  of 
compass ;  totally  ignorant  which  way  to  direct  my  course, 
to  find  any  road  or  habitation  of  men.  I  stopped,  and 
besought  the  Lord  to  lead  me  out — rose  from  my  suppli- 
cations, and  attempted  to  advance.  In  less  perhaps,  than 
two  minutes,  certainly,  in  less  than  five,  fell  into  the 
road  which  conducted  me  to  the  place  that  I  calculated 
to  reach  that  night,  at  which  I  arrived  about  1  o'clock. 
Have  now  just  come  from  attending  the  Sandy  Creek 
Association,  and  am  on  my  way  to  the  Charleston.  Such 
is  the  outline  of  my  course  since  leaving  Philadelphia. 
Frequently,  after  completing  a  day's  ride,  instead  of 
indulging  in  the  repose  which  nature  solicits,  it  is  neces- 
sary for  me  to  employ  my  pen;  however,  fatigues  too 
often  overcome  me,  or  perhaps  I  too  easily  yield  to  the 
inclination  for  rest." 

In  noticing  these  labours,  the  Board  make  the  following 
commendatory  remarks:  "The  Board  have  reviewed, 
with  sincere  satisfaction,  the  unwearied  and  successful 
exertions,  during  the  year  past,  of  Brother  Luther  Rice, 
their  agent.  They  can  scarcely  conceive  the  possibility 
of  his  having  occupied  a  sphere  of  greater  usefulness.    It 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  155 

is  with  real  pleasure  they  have  observed  that  the  offered 
emoluments  and  honors  of  the  Presidency  of  a  respec- 
table university  in  Kentucky,  have  not  been  able  to  divert 
him  from  his  missionary  career.  He  is  appointed,  until 
the  convention  shall  meet,  to  continue  his  exertions  to 
originate  new  societies,  and  to  systematize  measures  for 
an  easy  and  regular  intercommunication  between  the 
Board  and  the  mission  institutions.  In  his  anticipated 
labours,  he  is  affectionately  commended  to  the  care  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  and  to  the  hospitable  attention  and  fraternal 
aid  of  all  who  long  for  the  glory  of  the  latter  days. ' ' 

The  first  triennial  meeting  of  the  Convention  was  held 
in  Philadelphia,  in  May,  1817.  How  far  the  efforts  of 
Mr.  Rice  had  been  successful,  will  be  ascertained  by  re- 
ferring to  the  wide-spread  interest  in  the  mission  cause, 
which  at  this  time  was  beginning  to  be  felt  in  the  Bap- 
tist churches  of  the  United  States.  His  own  sanguine 
wishes  were  more  than  realized,  as  was  frequently  inti- 
mated by  expressions  of  gratitude  recorded  in  his  jour- 
nal. Just  before  the  triennial  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion in  1817,  he  made  on  his  birthday  the  following 
note :  *  *  In  reviewing  the  year  past,  much  occurs  to 
awaken  emotions  of  thankfulness  and  gratitude  to  the 
Father  of  Mercies.  My  journeyings  have  been  great, 
generally  lonely,  and  sometimes  very  fatiguing;  but  my 
life,  health,  and  limbs,  have  been  preserved — strength 
has  indeed  been  equal  to  the  day.  Praised  be  the  name 
of  the  Lord. 

"By  my  journal,  it  appears  that  I  have  travelled,  since 
entering  upon  my  tliirty-third  year,  which  loses  this  day, 
seven  thousand  eight  hundred  miles,  and,  since  leaving 
Philadelphia  the  25th  of  last  July,  have  received  from 
various  sources,  and  on  various  accounts,  $3,629.44  1-4. 


156  MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

As  this  amount  has  been  mostly  contributed  for  mission- 
ary purposes,  the  fact,  and  the  amount,  furnish  gratify- 
ing proof  of  the  progressive  state  of  missionary  views, 
impressions,  and  zeal  among  the  Baptists  in  the  United 
States.  May  this  cause  advance  with  increasing  vigor 
and  success,  till  the  world  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord." 

About  this  period,  letters  were  received  by  Mr.  Rice 
from  his  companions  in  labour,  whom  he  had  left  on 
heathen  ground,  and  with  whom  he  had  expected  soon 
to  be  reunited.  His  return  had  been  deferred,  from  time 
to  time,  by  what  he  and  many  of  his  friends  con- 
ceived to  be  the  stem  demand  of  duty.  The  communica- 
tions of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson  have  regard  to  this  subject, 
and  indicate  the  very  tender  attachment  which  was  en- 
tertained, as  well  as  their  deep  solicitude,  that  he  should 
again  join  them  in  the  mission. 

"Rangoon,  October  23,  1818. 

"My  Dear  Brother  Rice: — ^Yours  of  June  and  Sep- 
tember, 1817,  are  before  me.  What  shall  I  say  in  reply  ? 
Your  mention  of  ten  years  has  cut  off  the  little  hope  I 
had  remaining  of  uniting  with  you,  as  an  assistant,  in 
missionary  labours.  It  seems  that  our  paths  have  been 
diverging  from  the  Isle  of  France,  until  they  have  termi- 
nated in  scenes  of  labour  the  most  remote  and  dissimilar 
possible;  but  I  trust  that  we  have  both  been  guided 
aright,  and  that  whatever  local  relation  our  bones  may 
finally  sustain  in  this  world,  our  spirits  will  at  last  be 
united  in  the  same  celestial  scene — the  plains  of  heaven 
— the  presence  of  the  Lamb. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  157 

"I  feel  disposed  to  pour  out  my  regrets,  but  I  sup- 
pose they  would  be  unavailing.  I  really  expect  to  see 
you  no  more  in  this  world.  It  appears  to  me  that  the 
proposal  of  ten  years  is  of  the  same  use  and  benefit  as  a 
projecting  crag  in  a  precipice,  which  serves  a  little  to 
break  the  force  of  the  fall,  but  only  bruises  and  mangles 
the  poor  wretch,  who  might  as  well  go  to  the  bottom  at 
once.  No !  we  shall  meet  no  more  in  this  world.  I 
never  said  so  before,  but  I  think  I  may  venture  to  say 
so  now.  We  shall  meet  no  more,  unless  some  circum- 
stances occur  in  America  to  induce  you  to  change  your 
mind  very  shortly. 

''When  I  think  of  our  very  pleasant  intercourse  on 
board  the  Creole,  and  in  our  own  hired  house  at  Port 
Louis,  I  almost  regret  that  I  ever  consented  to  your  leav- 
ing me.  We — that  is,  Nancy  and  myself — have  been 
alone  in  the  world  ever  since,  till  within  a  few  days. 
We  have  been  through  most  severe  and  cutting  trials, 
which  I  believe  we  have  scarcely  mentioned  to  any  mor- 
tal. How  much,  at  times,  have  we  needed  your  con- 
geniality of  mind,  the  support  of  your  tried  attachment. 
When  two  faithful  friends  are  united,  how  great  is  the 
mutual  support.  What  happy  days  we  spent  at  Budge- 
budge  and  Fultah ;  what  spiritual  consolations  and  felici- 
ties we  mutually  imparted,  when  chased  about  by  the 
officers  of  police.  Have  you  ever  seen  happier  days? 
I  never  have. 

"Brother  Hough  and  I  have  done  pretty  well  to- 
gether. He  is  just  going  to  Bengal.  Perhaps  he  will  re- 
turn here;  perhaps  he  will  go  to  Chitagong,  and  live 
there  among  the  Mugs.  If  so,  I  hope  he  will  be  the 
means  of  great  good  there.  We  should,  however,  be  very 
sorry  to  lose  him,  especially  as  he  is  a  printer. 


158  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"The  brethren  Coleman  and  Wheelock,  and  their 
wives,  are  four  lovely  persons.  We  love  them  much,  and 
are  very  happy  in  their  society;  but  our  happiness  is 
much  diminished  by  the  feeble  health  of  the  brethren. 
Brother  Wheelock,  particularly,  is  so  consumptive,  as  to 
leave  me  but  very  little  hope  of  his  recovery.  So  you  see 
that  I  am  almost  alone  again.  But  no — perhaps  it  is  not 
best;  perhaps  the  cause  of  missions,  and  of  Christ,  re- 
quires that  you  should  stay  in  America.  I  leave  the 
matter  wholly  to  your  decision;  circumstances  qualify 
you  to  be  the  most  capable  judge,  and  I  see  how  you 
will  decide.  So,  fare  you  well,  my  brother  Rice;  and 
Nancy  also  says,  fare  you  well.  May  the  God  of  heaven 
bless  you  in  all  j^our  ways;  may  he  be  your  shield,  and 
your  exceeding  great  reward. 

"What  shall  I  do  with  your  relics?  Your  papers  we 
have  kept  from  the  inspection  of  any  person.  How  shall 
I  dispose  of  them  ?  Your  books  also  ?  Those  few  which 
we  owned  together,  I  should  like  to  keep  as  my  own,  if 
for  no  other  reason.  Campbell  also,  and  some  others, 
with  which  the  mission  is  already  supplied,  I  should  like 
to  retain.    Say  something  on  this  subject. 

"I  see  you,  pale  and  thin,  sitting  in  Rolfs  little  room, 
and  writing  out  texts  of  scripture,  relating  to  the  Abra- 
hamic  covenant.  I  see  you  playing  the  flute  on  board 
ship,  while  that  queer  Frenchman  is  taking  you  off,  cap 
and  all.  I  see  you  sitting  on  the  side  of  Port  Louis  hill, 
looking  away  towards  Madagascar,  and  anon  towards  the 
East.  I  see  you  embarking  in  the  American  vessel,  when 
circumstances  prevented  any  other  leave-taking  than 
touching  our  hats.  I  see  you  seated  in  your  wagon, 
posting  through  the  states,  now  haranguing  in  an  Atlan^ 
tie   sea-port,    and   now   penetrating   an   Indian   forest. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  159 

When  shall  I  see  you  next?  Who  can  tell  what  the  re- 
ceding mists  of  futurity  will  disclose?  But  one  thing 
we  know :  the  shades  of  death  will  soon  gather  on  both 
our  paths — ^will  soon  shroud  us  from  mortal  sight.  Shall 
we  then  appear  before  the  throne?  Shall  such  a  sinner 
as  I  ?    0,  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor ! 

"Your  ever  affectionate  brother, 

"A.  JUDSON.'' 

"Rangoon  Mission  House,  July  5,  1819. 

"Dear  Brother  Rice: — Little  did  we  think  at  our 
sorrowful  parting  at  the  Isle  of  France,  that  almost  seven 
years  would  elapse,  and  we  should  be  still  writing  you. 
For  the  first  two  or  three  years  after  you  left  us,  we 
hardly  dared  write  a  letter,  thinking  you  would  have  left 
America  before  it  would  reach  you ;  and  even  for  the  two 
or  three  last  years,  we  have  been  hoping  that  unforseen 
events  would  transpire,  which  would  clearly  discover  to 
your  mind,  that  the  path  of  duty  led  directly  to  Burmah. 
We  have  ever  felt  that  though  the  breach  which  your 
absence  has  made  in  our  little  family,  would  be  filled 
only  by  yourself,  yet  we  ought  to  acquiesce,  and  quietly 
submit,  if  the  advancement  of  the  mission  made  it  neces- 
sary. We  have  ever  been  convinced,  that  you  being  on 
the  ground  of  operation,  know  better  than  we,  what  part 
or  parts  of  the  missionary  machine  needed  to  be  kept  in 
motion,  and  what  means  were  the  most  necessary  to  ex- 
cite that  motion.  Hence,  we  have  till  now,  patiently  sub- 
mitted to  the  trial  which  your  long  absence  has  occa- 
sioned. But  now,  my  dear  brother  Rice,  we  need  mis- 
sionaries on  the  ground  more  than  any  thing  beside. 


160  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"At  the  end  of  six  years'  residence  in  this  country, 
Mr.  Judson  finds  himself  still  alone  in  missionary  work. 
He  wishes  now  to  devote  all  his  time  to  preaching  the 
gospel  to  this  people.  But  tracts  are  to  be  written ;  por- 
tions of  scripture  are  to  be  translated,  and  many  other 
necessary  things  must  be  done — but  who  will  do  them? 
Besides,  should  he  be  sick  or  die,  the  work  which  is  now 
commenced,  would  immediately  stop.  It  is  true,  that 
one  good  missionary'  is  on  the  ground,  and  preparing  for 
future  usefulness.  But  the  weak  state  of  his  lungs  for- 
bids our  expecting  much  from  him  in  the  preaching  way, 
at  least,  for  a  few  years.  You,  my  dear  brother,  are  the 
person  that  we  need  just  in  this  stage  of  the  mission. 
Your  age,  judgment,  and  experience  qualify  you  in  a 
peculiar  manner  to  be  of  most  essential  service  in  those 
cases  of  difficulty  and  trial,  to  which  we  are  so  frequent- 
ly subject  in  this  country.  Your  correct  ear  and  aptness 
for  acquiring  languages,  together  with  the  means  and 
helps  which  Mr.  J.  has  prepared,  would  enable  you  in 
one  year  from  the  time  of  your  arrival,  to  begin  to  com- 
municate religious  truths  to  this  perishing  people. 

*'The  way  seems  to  be  opening  for  the  spread  of  the 
gospel  here;  the  few  seed  which  have  been  sown,  begin 
to  spring  up,  the  millenial  days  of  the  church  are  rapid- 
ly' advancing ;  come  0 !  come,  and  reap  a  harvest  of  the 
souls  from  among  the  Burmans.  We  are  aware  that  it 
will  appear  exceedingly  necessary  that  you  should  stay 
in  America,  in  order  to  keep  those  plans  in  operation, 
which  you  have  commenced.  But  if  you  should  come, 
would  not  God  raise  up  some  one  to  fill  your  place  ?  Will 
not  others  feel  more  the  necessity  of  actual  exertion, 
when  they  see  that  those  duties  which  devolved  on  you, 
are  left  for  their  performance?     The  mantle  of  Elijah 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  161 

needed  not  to  be  worn  by  an  Elisha,  while  in  possession 
of  its  original  owner ;  so  no  young  man  will  feel  the 
necessity  of  taking  your  place,  till  they  see  it  vacated  by 
j-our  absence. 

"I  will  urge  two  reasons  more,  and  I  have  done.  1st. 
This  is  a  delightful  climate.  The  liver  complaint  is 
never  known  here.  Europeans  can  bear  the  heat  of  the 
sun  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  without  feeling  the  least 
injurious  effect.  Instances  of  longevity  among  the  na- 
tives, are  numerous;  perhaps  more  so,  than  in  any  part 
of  the  world.  According  to  the  course  of  nature,  a  mis- 
sionary whose  constitution  is  good,  has  greater  prospect 
of  a  long  life,  than  in  most  other  missionary  stations. 
2nd.  It  is  a  good  situation  to  grow  in  grace,  and  pre- 
pare for  heaven.  Here  we  see  the  destructive,  the  fatal 
effects  of  sin,  when  left  to  rage  without  the  restraints 
which  the  gospel  imposes.  Here  we  see  the  worth,  the 
preciousness  of  that  grace,  which,  while  it  leaves  some 
to  be  filled  with  their  own  devices,  raises  others  from 
the  lowest  state  of  degradation,  and  qualifies  them  to  be- 
come partakers  of  that  happiness  which  is  kept  in  re- 
version for  those  who  love  God. 

"Here  too  we  are  compelled  from  day  to  day  to  trust 
in  the  mighty  arm  of  Jehovah  for  support  and  protec- 
tion, and  to  depend  entirely  on  him  for  the  outpouring 
of  the  spirit,  without  the  influences  of  which,  our  most 
persevering  exertions  to  convert  the  heathen,  will  prove 
ineffectual.  Come  then,  dear  brother,  and  spend  your 
last  days  in  using  those  means  for  bestowing  happiness 
on  others,  which  are  the  most  directly  calculated  to  ad- 
vance personal  piety,  and  a  preparation  for  eternal  glory. 
"Ever  affectionately  yours, 

"Nancy  Judson.*' 


162  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

Closing  his  report  for  1817,  he  says :  ' '  Since  the  date 
of  my  letter  of  the  19th  of  June,  1816,  I  have  travelled 
6,600  miles — in  populous  and  in  dreary  portions  of 
country — through  wildernesses  and  over  rivers — across 
mountains  and  valleys — in  heat  and  cold — ^by  day  and 
by  night — in  weariness,  and  painfulness,  and  fastings, 
and  loneliness ;  but  not  a  moment  has  been  lost  for  want 
of  health;  no  painful  calamity  has  fallen  to  my  lot;  no 
peril  has  closed  upon  me;  nor  has  fear  been  permitted 
to  prey  on  my  spirits;  nor  even  inquietude  to  disturb 
my  peace.  Indeed,  constantly  has  the  favorable  counte- 
nance of  society  towards  the  great  objects  of  the  mission 
animated  my  hopes,  while  thousands  of  condescending 
personal  attentions  and  benefits  to  myself  and  the  cause, 
have  awakened  emotions,  which  it  is  alike  impossible  to 
conceal,  or  to  find  terms  sufficiently  delicate  and  expres- 
sive to  declare;  and  the  fact,  that  although  so  large  a 
portion  of  the  whole  time  has  been  unavoidably  taken 
up  in  passing  from  place  to  place,  I  have,  besides  many 
other  aids  and  liberalities  received  for  the  missionary 
object,  in  cash  and  subscriptions,  more  than  four  thou- 
sand dollars,  could  not  fail  to  create  a  confidence  of 
success  in  the  general  concern,  which  nothing  but  a 
reverse,  most  unlikely  to  occur,  can  possibly  destroy. 
This  fact,  too,  is  the  more  animating  and  sustaining,  be- 
cause, while  the  sum  is  but  little  larger  than  what  passed 
through  my  hands  last  year,  the  time  of  collecting  it  has 
been  considerably  shorter,  and  a  much  smaller  propor- 
tion of  it  consists  of  remittances  from  mission  societies; 
remittances  being  this  year  made  by  the  delegates  to  the 
convention.  This,  therefore,  in  conjunction  with  the 
multiplying  of  mission  societies,  especially  considering 
some  other  things  not  necessary  to  be  here  mentioned. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  163 

marks  decisively  a  regular  growing  increase  of  evangelic 
missionary  zeal;  and  who  can  repress  the  exclamation 
— 'the  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us!  blessed  be 
the  Lord  God,  who  only  doetli  wondrous  things;  and 
let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  with  his  glory!'  " 

About  this  time,  Mr.  Rice  suggested  the  plan  of 
issuing  under  the  patronage  of  the  Board,  a  quarterly 
publication,  the  object  of  which  should  be  to  diffuse  in- 
formation on  the  subject  of  missions.  Such  a  periodical 
was  commenced,  entitled  the  Latter  Bay  Luminary, 
which  was  ably  conducted,  and  greatly  promotive  of 
the  important  object  for  which  it  was  originated.  In 
the  following  extract  of  a  letter,  dated  October  24,  1817, 
he  refers  to  this  subject,  ''The  good  hand  of  the  Lord 
has  been  upon  me  ever  since  parting  with  you.  His  con- 
tinued and  multiplied  favors  claim  unceasing  exalted 
gratitude,  love,  and  obedience.  0  that  I  were  more  as  I 
ought  to  be! 

"You  will  perceive  by  the  foregoing  proposals,  that 
the  plan  of  a  quarterly  publication,  on  account  of  which 
my  late  visit  to  Boston  was  undertaken,  has  succeeded; 
this  of  course  will  be  an  object  of  much  attention  and 
labour  with  me  in  connection  with  other  objects  to  which 
my  life  is  devoted.  The  arrangements  of  the  business 
will  require  me  to  visit  Philadelphia  once  a  quarter,  and 
to  spend,  perhaps,  rather  more  than  a  fourth  part  of 
my  time  in  that  city.  At  the  Hartford  Association  we 
had  a  happy  season,  also  at  the  Philadelphia  Association, 
and  at  the  Dover  Association,  in  Virginia,  all  of  which 
I  have  visited  since  leaving  Northborough.  At  the  last 
mentioned,  the  collection  for  the  mission  amounted  to 
1272. 


164  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"My  route  onward  will  take  me  into  North  Carolina, 
tlien  back  again  north-westwardly  to  Pittsburg,  through 
Ohio,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  into  Georgia,  and  then 
back  again  to  Philadelphia." 


CHAPTER   IX 

Necessity  of  Ministerial  Education  Felt  by  Mr.  Rice — 
History  of  Denomination  Referred  to — Efforts  to 
Rouse  the  Churches  to  Action — Seminary  Opened  in 
Philadelphia — Letter — Purchase  of  Lot  in  Wash- 
ington— College  Buildings  Commenced — Resolu- 
tions of  Convention  in  1820 — Charter  Obtained — 
College  Opened — Flattering  Prospects — Mr.  Rice 
Appointed  Agent  and  Treasurer — Columbian  Star 
Commenced. 

During  the  extensive  and  frequent  tours  which  Mr. 
Rice  was  compelled  to  make  in  the  prosecution  of  his 
agency,  he  perceived  among  the  rapidly  growing 
churches  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  a  need  for  system- 
atic exertions  to  improve  the  rising  ministry.  This 
necessity  had  been  increasing  with  the  advances  which 
the  various  orders  of  society  were  making  in  general 
knowledge.  The  time  had  passed  by  when  those  who 
filled  the  offices  of  public  teachers,  could  expect,  without 
intelligence  or  education,  to  gain  the  ear  of  the  com- 
munity. God  had  in  a  very  signal  manner  given  testi- 
mony of  his  approbation  to  many  unlearned,  but  faithful 
men,  who  in  the  earlier  history  of  our  country,  when 
society  generally  was  in  a  crude  and  unimproved  state, 
had  gone  forth,  declaring  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ. 

That  these  men  should  have  obtained  the  confidence 
and  attention  of  society,  may  be  attributed  in  some  meas- 
ure to  peculiar  circumstances.  They  were  in  some  parts 
of  our  country  the  victims  of  cruel  persecution ;  and  the 

[165] 


166  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

endeavor  being  made  to  coerce  them  into  submission  by 
the  dominant  religionists  of  the  day,  they  naturally  be- 
came the  objects  of  sympathy.  All  were  inclined  to  give 
them  an  opportunity  of  vindicating  their  sentiments,  in 
many  instances  for  no  other  reason  than  because  they 
had  been  so  violently  opposed.  Though  they  could  not 
compare  with  their  opposers  in  respect  to  wealth  and 
education,  in  other  particulars  they  were  far  superior. 
With  good  physical  constitutions,  and  naturally  vigorous 
minds,  there  was  felt  and  manifested  a  zealous  regard 
for  the  divine  will.  They  had  not  only  been  baptized 
in  water,  but  into  the  spirit  of  Christ  their  Lord. 

While  on  the  one  hand,  they  saw  in  too  many  instances, 
the  office  of  the  ministry  occupied  by  bigoted,  or  indolent 
and  vicious  men,  on  the  other  they  discovered  crowds, 
unwarned,  pressing  down  to  death.  Under  these  circum- 
stances they  could  not  consent  to  remain  silent.  Con- 
strained by  the  love  of  Christ,  and  by  love  to  souls,  they 
lifted  up  their  voices  to  warn  and  persuade  their  fellow- 
men  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come.  Neither  flatteries  nor 
frowns  could  deter  them  from  fulfilling  their  work. 
Crowds  waited  on  their  ministrations,  and  the  truth  pro- 
claimed in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity  was  rendered 
effectual  by  the  divine  blessing  unto  conversion.  The 
triumphs  of  the  cross  continued  to  extend  into  those 
more  newly  settled  portions  of  our  country,  where  even 
the  forms  of  religion  were  almost  unknown. 

It  will  not  be  surprising  that  the  success  of  these  men, 
especially  when  compared  with  the  little  effected  by  those 
who  were  better  educated,  should  induce  a  state  of  mind 
unfavorable  to  the  mental  improvement  of  the  ministry. 
While  the  pioneers  were  not  opposed  to  learning,  but 
lamented  its  absence  in  regard  to  themselves,  their  sue- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  167 

cessors  were  in  danger  of  undervaluing  it,  and  of  failing 
to  use  such  means  of  cultivation  as  were  within  their 
reach.  This,  to  some  extent,  was  the  fact.  In  many  por- 
tions of  our  country,  little  or  no  systematic  effort  had 
been  made  to  elevate  the  standard  of  ministerial  im- 
provement. This  was  seen  by  the  subject  of  this  memoir, 
and  his  heart  was  moved  to  attempt  a  change.  Al- 
though he  was  not  permitted  to  witness  the  completion 
of  his  wishes,  it  cannot  be  doubted,  that  to  him,  more 
than  any  other  man,  may  he  attributed  the  change  which 
has  heen  effected  in  our  denomination.  Wherever  he 
went,  east  or  west,  north  or  south,  he  brought  the  sub- 
ject of  ministerial  improvement  before  the  minds  of  his 
brethren,  not  merely  in  his  public  addresses,  but  in  con- 
versation, and  in  extensive  correspondence  by  letter. 

At  an  early  period  of  his  efforts  to  promote  the  cause 
of  education,  a  school  was  opened  in  Philadelphia,  for 
the  instruction  of  young  men  devoted  to  the  ministry, 
under  the  care  of  Rev.  Dr.  Staughton  and  Rev.  Ira 
Chase.  Having  seen  such  an  institution  commenced, 
he  determined  to  spare  no  pains  in  promoting  its  inter- 
ests. Reference  is  made  to  this  subject  in  the  extract  of 
a  letter  that  follows: 

"Pittsburg,  Pa.,  February  22,  1819. 

"Very  Dear  Brother: — On  arriving  in  Philadelphia 
lately,  I  found  your  welcome  letter,  and  meant  to  have 
replied  before  leaving  the  city.  I  often  look  forward 
in  the  hope  that  the  time  shall  ere  long  arrive  when  I 
can  have  a  little  leisure.  As  yet,  however,  things  appear 
to  be  tending  in  the  opposite  direction,  and  concerns  and 
labours  are  multiplying  on  my  poor  hands,  rather  than 


168  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

lessening.  Indeed,  I  see  no  reason  to  calculate  on  any 
other  than  a  life  of  toil  and  exertion  to  the  end  of  it. 
It  is,  I  hope,  a  happiness  to  me,  rather  than  a  burden, 
to  labour  in  so  glorious  a  cause. 

* '  I  am  now  on  a  tour  to  the  west  and  south,  and  hope 
to  be  back  again  to  Philadelphia  by  the  first  of  May. 

"The  missionary  cause  is  still  going  on  well.  An  in- 
stitution for  improving  the  education  of  the  ministry, 
connected  with  the  Board  of  Missions,  is  now  in  opera- 
tion ;  five  or  six  students  are  there  already,  and  more  are 
expected  soon.  This  object  I  regard  as  very  important, 
but  to  carry  it  forward  will  require  a  great  deal  of  ef- 
fort." 

That  the  reader  may  be  in  possession  of  the  senti- 
ments of  the  Convention,  at  their  second  triennial  meet- 
ing in  1820,  and  thus  learn  more  definitely  the  extent 
of  Mr.  Rice's  influence,  in  relation  to  the  subject  of 
education,  an  extract  from  their  address  will  here  be 
inserted.  At  this  time  the  students  at  the  institution  in 
Philadelphia  had  increased  to  the  number  of  eighteen. 

"We  are  far  from  thinking  that  learning  can  make  a 
minister  of  Christ;  we  are  assured  that  unsanctified 
literature,  as  well  as  superior  talents,  elevated  stations, 
riches,  and  worldly  honors,  may  prove  a  great  curse ;  and 
that  it  has  been  often  abused  to  the  vilest  of  purposes. 
It  is  still  one  of  the  excellent  attainments  of  the  Chris- 
tian, he  must  add,  to  his  faith  and  virtue,  knowledge. 
It  enters  into  the  character  of  those  able  pastors  prom- 
ised by  God  to  his  church — they  are  to  feed  men  with 
knowledge.  Ministers,  according  to  our  sentiments,  must 
be  gracious  men,  renewed  and  sanctified  by  the  spirit  of 
God ;  they  must  possess  gifts  from  Christ  for  their  office, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  169 

and  must  be  called  of  God  to  engage  in  it.  But  these 
gifts  they  may  either  neglect  or  improve,  according  to 
the  intimation  given  in  the  exhortations  of  Paul  to 
Timothy:  'Neglect  not  the  gift  that  is  in  thee;'  'Give 
attention  to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  doctrine ; '  '  Study 
to  show  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that 
needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth ; '  '  Meditate  on  these  things — give  thyself  wholly 
to  them,  that  thy  profiting  may  appear  to  all.'  Here 
their  duty,  as  well  as  danger,  is  described.  The  word 
of  God  declares  that  the  pastor  must  not  be  a  novice; 
that  he  must  be  apt  to  teach,  and  must  speak  in  a  man- 
ner easy  to  be  understood — which  no  man  can  do,  un- 
less he  is  well  acquainted  with  the  subject  on  which  he 
discourses. ' ' 

Such  was  the  success  of  these  incipient  measures,  and 
such  the  encouragment  furnished  by  the  churches,  that 
it  was  deemed  expedient  to  attempt  the  origination  of  a 
college  at  some  central  point,  from  which  a  beneficial 
influence  might  go  forth  to  every  part  of  the  land.  In 
looking  round  for  a  suitable  location,  many  interested 
in  the  object  were  impressed  with  the  belief  that  none 
more  eligible  could  be  found  than  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton. The  following  paper,  prepared  in  1819,  will  indi- 
cate the  manner  in  which  the  present  site  of  the  Colum- 
bian College  was  selected. 

"Lot  of  land  adjoining  the  city  of  Washington,  for 
a  College  and  Theological  Institution. — It  is  understood 
that  a  lot  suitable  for  the  above  mentioned  purposes, 
every  way  eligible,  may  be  obtained  for  six  thousand 
dollars: — We,  the  subscribers,  therefore,  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  importance  of  procuring  such  a  lot,  for 
such  object,  do  solemnly  pledge  ourselves  to  make  pur- 


170  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

chase  of  said  lot  for  said  object,  provided  adequate  funds 
for  the  same  shall  be  confided  to  us — it  being  distinctly 
understood  and  engaged  that  said  lot  shall  be  for  the 
use  of  a  college,  and  of  a  theological  institution,  under 
the  direction  of  the  'General  Missionary  Convention  of 
the  Baptist  denomination  in  the  United  States.' 

"Signed 

0.  B.  Brown, 

Luther  Rice, 
Enoch  Reynolds, 
S.  H.  Cone.'' 

"Writing  to  his  brother,  shortly  after,  Mr.  Rice  says: 
"We  have  at  present,  fifteen  students  at  Philadelphia, 
in  a  course  of  education  suited  to  the  ministry,  and  have 
bought  a  piece  of  land  near  the  city  of  Washington  on 
which  to  place  buildings  to  accommodate  the  institution. 
My  poor  hands  are  more  than  full,  but  I  hope  much  good 
will  be  done." 

In  his  report  at  the  meeting  of  the  convention,  in 
May,  1820,  reference  is  thus  made  to  the  same  subject: 
"It  has  afforded  me  no  small  pleasure  to  find  it  conven- 
ient, incidentally  to  the  other  matters  on  hand,  to  be- 
stow some  attention  on  the  object  of  providing  at  Wash- 
ington, a  site  for  the  institution  to  promote  the  educa- 
tion of  the  ministry,  and  ultimately  for  the  foundation 
of  a  college,  under  the  direction  of  the  general  conven- 
tion. Considerations  of  no  ordinary  influence  induced 
the  brethren,  Brown,  Cone,  Reynolds,  and  myself,  to 
open  a  subscription  paper  for  this  purpose.  The  suc- 
cess has  amply  justified  our  calculations. 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  171 

"To  pay  for  the  ground,  or  lot  of  46l^  acres,  to  erect 
a  building — to  endow  a  professorship,  and  for  some  other 
points  in  the  general  concern,  nearly  $10,000  have  al- 
ready been  subscribed,  and  part  of  it  paid.  This  being 
the  result  of  the  incidental  attention  of  an  individual, 
with  comparatively  little  aid  from  others,  and  that  too, 
for  but  little  more  than  half  a  year,  demonstrates  the 
practicability  of  accomplishing  a  most  important  object 
in  a  short  time.  Thus  far,  the  hand  of  a  kind  Providence 
has  signally  favored  the  design.  A  building  has  already 
been  commenced,  116  by  47,  which  will  contain  rooms 
enough  to  accommodate  from  eighty  to  one  hundred 
students.  It  only  wants  the  countenance  of  the  con- 
vention, with  the  blessing  of  heaven,  to  insure  complete 
success. 

"In  closing  this  communication,  suffer  me  to  express 
the  deep  impression  I  cannot  but  feel,  that  the  arrival 
of  the  period  of  this  convention  brings  with  it  a  crisis, 
particularly  in  relation  to  the  education  of  pious  young 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  of  the  utmost  moment.  May 
the  blessed  Redeemer  preside  in  the  meeting,  and  direct 
to  the  adoption  of  such  measures  as  shall  promote  the 
prosperity  of  Zion,  and  the  display  of  his  own  glory." 

So  important  did  the  convention  assembled  in  Phila- 
delphia consider  the  project  of  locating  an  institution 
at  Washington,  that  to  enable  them  to  embrace  it  in  their 
regular  operations,  they  proceeded  to  alter  their  consti- 
tution, and  to  adopt  the  following  resolutions : 

"1.  Resolved,  That  the  institution  for  the  education 
of  gospel  ministers,  be  located  at  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, or  in  its  vicinity,  in  the  District  of  Columbia ;  and 
that  the  Board  be  directed  to  cause  its  removal  thither 
whenever  suitable  preparations  shall  be  made  for  its  re- 


172  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

ception  in  that  place,  and  when,  in  their  opinion,  such 
removal  shall  be  deemed  expedient. 

"2.  Resolved,  That  this  convention  accept  of  the 
premises  tendered  to  them  for  the  site  of  an  institution 
for  the  education  of  gospel  ministers,  and  for  a  college, 
adjoining  the  city  of  Washington;  and  that  the  Board 
be  directed  to  take  measures,  as  soon  as  convenient,  for 
obtaining  a  legal  title  to  the  same.  And  that  the  Board 
be  further  directed,  to  keep  the  institution,  already  in  a 
state  of  progress,  first  in  view,  and  not  to  incur  expenses 
beyond  the  amount  of  funds  which  may  be  obtained  for 
the  establishment  of  either  of  the  institutions." 

The  Board  proceeded  at  once,  to  carry  out  the  in- 
structions of  the  convention,  by  the  erection  of  a  college 
building,  117  feet  in  length,  and  47  feet  in  breadth,  con- 
taining accommodations  for  about  one  hundred  students, 
and  costing  about  $30,000.  Beside  this  they  caused  also 
to  be  erected  two  houses,  25  by  40  feet,  two  stories  high, 
for  the  use  of  the  professors.  All  these  were  so  far  in 
progress  at  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the  Board,  in 
1821,  that  a  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  report 
in  the  following  commendatory  language: 

"The  committee  on  the  general  literary  concerns  of 
the  convention,  respectfully  report:  That  having  ex- 
amined and  duly  considered  the  various  documents 
which  have  been  laid  before  them  in  relation  to  that  sub- 
ject, they  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  the  high  satis- 
faction which  they  feel  in  common  with  other  members  of 
the  Board,  in  witnessing  the  rapid  progress  of  the  estab- 
lishment at  Washington,  and  the  harmony  which  has 
attended  all  its  movements.  The  proceedings  of  the 
trustees,  which  appear  to  have  been  marked  with  the 
greatest  unanimity,  are  entirely  satisfactory  to  the  com- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RTCE  173 

raittee;  and  the  prospect  of  bringing  into  successful 
operation,  at  an  early  period,  both  branches  of  a  semi- 
nary, which  promises  extensive  usefulness,  in  promoting 
knowledge  among  those  who  are  the  future  hope  of  the 
church ;  and  in  the  more  effectual  preparation  for  the 
sacred  work  of  those,  who  are  destined  by  the  God  of 
Zion,  to  bear  the  tidings  of  salvation  to  dying  sinners, 
both  in  our  land,  and  in  foreign  regions,  should  be  re- 
garded as  an  event  propitious  to  our  warmest  desires, 
demanding  our  fervent  gratitude  to  the  Father  of  all 
mercies. ' ' 

In  referring  to  the  rise  and  early  history  of  the  Co- 
lumbian College,  it  may  be  stated,  that  the  plan  on  which 
it  was  commenced,  has  never  been  completed.  Had  the 
institution  gone  forward  according  to  the  sanguine  ex- 
pectations of  its  friends,  several  other  buildings,  on  an 
enlarged  scale,  would  have  been  erected.  * '  All  the  build- 
ings," in  the  language  of  the  superintending  commit- 
tee, * '  were  intended  to  range  with  the  cardinal  points  of 
the  compass,  and  to  exhibit  the  best  possible  view  from 
every  direction,  combining  economy,  utility,  convenience, 
and  magnificence. ' '  That  these  objects  might  have  been 
secured,  no  one  who  understands  the  plan,  and  has  seen 
the  location,  can  fail  to  acknowledge. 

Having  obtained  a  charter,  the  regular  college  exer- 
cises commenced  on  the  second  Wednesday  in  January, 
1822,  under  the  direction  of  an  able  faculty.  Mr.  Rice 
was  appointed  agent  and  treasurer,  and  the  prospects 
of  the  institution  were,  for  two  or  three  years,  truly 
flattering.  Referring  to  this  fact  in  his  annual  report 
for  1823,  he  thus  remarks:  *'The  concerns  of  the  Co- 
lumbian College  have  necessarily  engaged  a  large  por- 
tion of  my  attention.     The  success,  however,  has  sur- 


174  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

passed,  by  far,  what  was  contemplated  at  the  last  meet- 
ing of  the  convention.  Little  was  it  then  expected,  that 
by  the  time  of  the  present  meeting,  about  sixty  students 
should  be  found  in  the  institution,  and  a  junior  class  half 
way  through  its  year.  Great  exertions  have  been  requi- 
site in  the  financial  department,  and  great  difficulties 
have  been  encountered,  but  the  good  hand  of  the  Lord 
has  been  signally  manifest  and  favorable. 

"Although  encompassed  with  infirmities  and  imper- 
fections, I  have  endeavored  to  apply  the  feeble  talents 
allotted  me  by  the  great  Arbiter  of  all  things,  faithfully 
and  diligently,  to  the  objects  of  my  appointment.  For 
innumerable  instances  of  kindness  from  my  friends  and 
the  public,  and  for  the  continued  and  abundant  mercies 
of  the  Lord,  I  would  fain  express  the  gratitude  which 
I  ought  to  feel." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  convention  in  1823,  a  resolution 
was  adopted,  expressive  of  gratitude  for  the  "generous 
devotion  of  the  agent  to  the  college,  and  other  concerns 
of  the  convention,  manifested  by  the  appropriation  of  his 
whole  time  and  compensation  to  promote  their  interests." 

An  important  object  which  about  this  period  engaged 
the  attention  of  Mr.  Rice,  was  the  origination  and  cir- 
culation of  a  weekly  periodical,  entitled  the  Columbian 
Star.  It  was  published  at  Washington,  under  the  edi- 
torial management  of  the  Rev.  James  D.  Knowles,  and 
subsequently.  Rev.  Baron  Stow. 

This  chapter  will  close  by  extracts  of  letters  from  Mr. 
Judson.  Writing  from  Rangoon  under  date  of  May  7th, 
1821,  he  says:  "I  frequently  wish  that  I  had  seen 
Philadelphia  and  Washington  and  the  scenes  among 
which  you  are  so  much  employed,  that  I  might  be  able 
to  form  a  more  definite  idea  of  your  situation  and  move- 


^lEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  175 

ments.  And  I  wish  too,  that  you  had  once  been  in 
Rangoon,  that  you  might  sometimes  look  away  and  see 
the  kyoung,  which  is  my  house ;  and  zayat,  which  is  my 
office.  I  am  now  writing  in  tlie  zayat,  at  one  of  those 
little  tables  that  you  bought  at  the  Isle  of  France.  It  is 
almost  the  only  thing  that  remains  of  our  common  prop- 
erty. Time  and  worms  have  devastated  trunks,  and 
books,  &c. ;  and  they  will  soon  treat  our  bodies  in  the 
same  manner — will  they  not  my  brother?  But  there 
is  a  world,  where  moth  and  rust  corrupt  not,  and  there 
I  will  introduce  you  to  my  precious  little  Burman 
church;  and  there  they  will  meet  their  now  unknown 
benefactor,  of  whom  I  sometimes  tell  them." 

In  another  letter,  dated  Rangoon,  February  6th, 
1822,  he  remarks :  "I  have  received  your  two  short,  and 
almost  illegible  letters  of  last  March,  and  it  is  hardly 
necessary  for  me  to  say,  how  fully  I  enter  into  all  your 
views  and  wishes  in  regard  to  the  new  college,  and  what- 
ever tends  to  raise  the  character  of  the  Baptist  denomi- 
nation, and  promote  the  cause  of  Christ  at  large,  in  the 
United  States.  Your  labours  will  be  ultimately  appreci- 
ated, and  the  page  of  history  will  do  you  ample  justice, 
notwithstanding  the  dissentient  voice  of  the  narrow- 
minded  of  the  present  day.  Only  be  not  elated  by  any 
success;  walk  softly  before  God;  and  forget  not,  amid 
the  hurry  of  business,  to  cultivate  that  daily  communion 
with  the  Lord  and  Saviour,  which  is  the  life  and  hap- 
piness of  the  soul. 

"I  wished  that  we  might  live  and  labor  together;  but 
I  hope  that,  though  separated,  we  are  both  doing  im- 
portant service  for  the  same  Master,  and  perhaps,  in 
ways  best  adapted  to  our  respective  capacities.  I  little 
thought  when  the  boat  rowed  away  from  the  ship  in 


176  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

the  harbor  of  Port  Louis,  and  I  left  you  standing  on 
the  deck,  that  I  should  see  your  face  no  more.  Poor 
Nancy  has  gone  on  a  pilgrimage  for  health  and  life,  to 
the  shrine  of  old  England.  Perhaps  she  will  visit 
America,  but  I  expect  that  she  will  return  from  England 
in  the  same  ship.  Her  absence  is  universally  regretted 
by  our  Burman  acquaintance.  Many  of  them  come  to 
see  me,  apparently  for  no  other  purpose,  than  to  inquire 
whether  there  is  any  news  from  Mummah  (Madam),  as 
she  is  called." 

He  thus  closes  a  communication  written  August  1st, 
1823:  "My  last  from  you,  was  dated  May  15th,  1822. 
You  are  evidently  absorbed  in  the  college.  But  it  is  a 
great  and  worthy  object;  and  there  is  no  truer  maxim, 
that  a  man  never  does  any  thing  to  purpose,  unless  his 
whole  soul  is  in  it.  Only  let  not  your  multifarious  con- 
cerns interrupt  communion  with  God,  and  the  daily 
enjoyment  of  closet  religion.  Soon,  my  brother,  all  these 
visible  scenes  will  be  passed  away,  and  many  of  the  ob- 
jects which  now  assume  an  overwhelming  importance, 
will  in  the  calm  light  of  eternity,  appear  to  have  been 
emptj^  bubbles,  blown  into  great  consequence  by  our  own 
foolish  passions.  Thus  let  me  preach  to  you,  and  thus 
I  desire  to  preach  to  myself.  I  hope  that  Mrs.  J.  will 
return,  accompanied  by  one  or  two  good  missionaries. 
I  cannot  help  indulging  a  faint  hope  that  you  will  come 
yourself. 

"Most  affectionately  and  ever  yours, 

"A.    JUDSON.'* 


CHAPTER   X 

Increasing  Interest  of  Mr.  Bice  in  the  Prosperity  of  the 
College — Personal  Efforts  on  Its  Behalf — Contract 
for  Additional  Buildings — Heavy  Debt  Created — 
Public  Confidence  Diminished — Sickness  of  Mr.  Rice 
— Separation  of  College  from  Convention — Unpleas- 
ant Differences  of  Opinion — Resignation  of  Faculty 
— Various  Causes  of  Embarrassment — The  Motives 
a7id  Conduct  of  Mr.  Rice  in  These  Difficulties — His 
Undiminished  Zeal  to  Serve  the  Institution — Letter 
to  a  Friend — Sanguine  Hope  of  Ultimate  Success. 

It  has  been  already  intimated,  that  in  carrying  for- 
ward the  Columbian  College  to  that  maturity  which 
would  make  it  a  general  blessing  to  the  denomination 
and  the  world,  Mr.  Rice  was  ready  to  make  every  person- 
al sacrifice.  The  object  which  filled  his  eye  and  heart,  was 
a  noble  one,  and  with  steady  aim  he  directed  all  his  ef- 
forts to  its  accomplishment.  The  amount  of  labor  per- 
formed by  him  at  this  period,  far  exceeded  all  his 
previous  efforts,  and  in  many  instances  was  almost  in- 
credible. In  addition  to  the  mission  agency  which  he 
still  held,  nearly  the  whole  dependence  of  the  college,  for 
funds,  rested  upon  him.  Scarcely  allowing  time  for 
meals  or  repose,  he  was  continually  employed  in 
travelling  from  place  to  place  and  conducting  a  cor- 
respondence with  persons  in  all  parts  of  the  United 
States, 

Up  to  the  convention  meeting,  in  1823,  the  expecta- 
tions of  the  friends  of  the  college  were  fully  realized. 
Although  at  that  time,  a  debt  of  $30,000  had  been  con- 

[177] 


178  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

traeted,  a  confident  belief  was  entertained,  that  it  would 
become  all  its  warmest  supporters  could  desire.  But  it 
was  destined  to  pass  through  the  most  trying  adversity. 
Notwithstanding  the  large  amount  already  due,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  continued  increase  of  students  in  1824, 
the  Board  contracted  for  the  erection  of  another  spacious 
building,  depending  alone  on  funds  yet  uncollected,  and 
even  not  yet  subscribed.  From  this  period,  the  institu- 
tion began  to  retrograde.  The  pecuniary  liabilities  of  the 
Board  were  every  day  increasing,  while  public  confidence 
was  suffering  continual  diminution.  In  the  midst  of  these 
unexpected  reverses,  some  unhappy  differences  arose 
among  the  faculty  and  board  of  trustees,  which  in- 
creased the  peril  of  the  institution.  The  new  building 
which  had  gone  up  a  single  story,  involving  a  serious 
expense,  was  suspended,  while  the  number  of  students 
in  attendance  had  considerably  diminished. 

In  the  midst  of  these  difficulties,  Mr.  Rice  was  brought 
to  the  borders  of  the  grave  by  sickness,  supposed  to  be 
brought  on  by  anxiety  of  mind  together  with  the  in- 
creased exertions  he  felt  himself  compelled  to  make.  The 
following  letter  addressed  to  his  brother  will  furnish 
some  idea  of  the  state  of  his  mind  at  this  crisis. 

"You  have  probably  heard  that  I  have  been  sick,  I 
was  confined  to  the  house  three  weeks.  It  was  an  attack 
of  a  fever  which  threatened  to  become  a  fatal  typhus — 
for  a  few  days  it  was  thought  by  myself  and  by  my 
friends,  a  very  doubtful  case,  whether  I  should  recover. 
But  the  Lord  has  shown  his  great  mercy  in  the  case  and 
I  am  now  well  again,  though  I  have  not  yet  gained  my 
usual  strength.  I  experienced  great  mercy,  too,  when 
at  the  lowest  point,  for  which  I  desire  to  be  thankful; 
for  although  distinctly  sensible  of  the  danger  of  my  sit- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RTCE  179 

nation,  and  quite  doubtful  in  my  own  mind  which  way 
the  ease  would  turn,  I  felt,  I  trust,  a  heavenly  calm,  and 
composure  of  spirit,  and  resignation  to  the  blessed  will 
of  the  Lord  and  no  alarm  at  the  idea  of  dying.  I  en- 
deavored at  that  solemn  moment,  to  examine  distinctly 
the  ground  of  my  hope,  and  blessed  be  the  Lord,  it  re- 
mained unshaken !  I  would  fain  hope  the  life  spared  by 
liis  compassion,  may  be  more  entirely  consecrated  to  the 
glory  and  service  of  the  adorable  Redeemer." 

At  the  meeting  of  the  convention,  1826,  it  was  ascer- 
tained, much  to  the  regret  of  all,  that  the  debt  had 
greatly  increased.  By  the  discussion  of  college  concerns, 
involving  as  they  did  many  conflicting  interests,  the  pro- 
ceedings were  marked  by  less  harmony  than  usual.  After 
a  protracted  consideration  of  the  subject,  it  was  deemed 
most  expedient  to  separate  the  educational  from  the  mis- 
sionary operations,  making  the  latter  a  distinct  and  ex- 
clusive object,  to  which  the  convention  should  bend  its 
efforts.  Over  the  college  the  convention  was  to  exercise 
no  control,  except  to  nominate  persons,  from  among 
whom  the  Board  of  trustees  were  to  be  chosen. 

The  dissatisfaction  existing  between  various  persons 
connected  with  the  institution  continued  to  increase,  un- 
til it  resulted  in  the  resignation  of  the  faculty,  and  part 
of  the  Board.  Others  were  appointed  in  their  places, 
and  to  satisfy  those  who  thought  Mr.  Rice  had  been 
worthy  of  blame  in  these  difficulties,  he  consented  to  re- 
sign as  general  agent  and  treasurer.  The  Rev.  Elon 
Galusha  was  appointed  temporarily  to  fill  these  offices. 
In  1827,  Rev.  Robert  B.  Semple  was  appointed  presi- 
dent of  the  Board  and  general  agent,  and  to  superintend 
its  interests  removed  to  Washington.  Mr.  Rice  continued 
to  collect  funds  without  being  expected  to  exercise  any 


180  MEMOIR  OF  EEV.  LUTHER  RICE 

control  in  their  disbursement.  With  praiseworthy  zeal, 
Mr.  Galusha,  Mr.  Ball,  and  Mr.  Clopton,  succeeded  in 
obtaining  the  sum  of  $30,000,  mostly  in  New  York  and 
the  southern  states.  In  1831,  Mr.  Semple  died,  having 
previously  resigned  his  agency.  The  Rev.  Abner  W. 
Clopton,  consented  to  assume  the  management  of  the 
pecuniary  interests  of  the  institution,  and  to  attempt  its 
final  release  from  embarrassment.  But  very  soon  after 
a  plan  which  he  suggested  was  beginning  to  promise  suc- 
cessful deliverance,  he  was  unexpectedly  removed  by  the 
hand  of  death. 

This  series  of  painful  disappointments  in  regard  to  the 
college,  were  sufficient  to  discourage  the  hearts,  and  to 
paralyze  the  hands  of  its  friends.  But  Mr.  Rice  still 
retained  his  confidence  that  its  rescue  would  be  effected. 
Shortly  after  the  decease  of  the  lamented  Clopton,  in 
a  letter  to  a  friend,  he  thus  expresses  the  sentiments  of 
his  heart. 

"Augusta,  Georgia,  May  4th,  1833. 

"Very  Dear  Brother: — It  is  with  much  satisfaction 
I  can  now  state  to  you,  that  the  sum  of  $2,000,  with 
interest  from  the  1st  of  January,  1833,  has  been  fur- 
nished by  our  brethren  and  friends  in  South  Carolina, 
and  has  been  already  transmitted  to  the  treasurer, 
towards  the  final  payment  of  the  debts  of  the  Columbian 
College  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  The  pledge  of  our 
brother,  the  Rev.  R.  M.  Todd,  of  Cambridge,  S.  C,  has 
been  thus  promptly  redeemed,  as  one  of  twelve  to  raise 
$24,000.  All  the  others  will,  no  doubt,  also  be  fully  re- 
deemed in  due  time. 


MEMOIK  OF  KEV.  LUTHER  RICE  181 

"Although  the  deeply  lamented  death  of  brother 
Clopton  may  somewhat  retard  the  arrival  of  the  hour 
of  completing  the  payment  of  all  the  debts  on  the  insti- 
tution, an  impulse  has  been  given  to  the  concern,  which 
will,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  I  am  persuaded,  carry 
the  business  forward  without  any  material  interruption 
or  delay  to  this  happy  result.  Thus  the  investigations, 
arrangements,  and  incipient  endeavors  of  brother  Clop- 
ton, will  prove  of  great  and  effectual  benefit;  and  I  am 
convinced  that  nothing  is  wanting,  under  God,  on  the 
part  of  those  who  are  variously  connected  with  the  case, 
but  to  press  right  on  vigorously  with  the  engagements 
and  materials  arranged,  or  in  prospect,  in  order  to  carry 
the  matter  directly  through,  and  to  accomplish  the  all- 
important  object  of  the  undertaking.  And  who  can 
say  that  it  has  not  been  the  sovereign  pleasure  of  the 
Almighty,  therefore,  to  remove  our  dear  brother,  in 
whom  all  had  so  much  confidence,  very  distinctly  for 
the  sake  of  showing  that  all  means  and  instruments  are 
nothing  but  what  he  makes  them ;  that  he  can  fulfil  his 
purpose  in  ways  to  human  view  unlikely — by  means,  to 
human  view  insufficient  and  unpromising ! 

"Verily,  'The  Lord's  hand  is  not  shortened,  that  it 
cannot  save;  neither  his  ear  heavy,  that  it  cannot  hear.' 
Let  us  call  to  remembrance  the  case  of  Gideon's  army, 
David,  and  many  other  instances;  betake  ourselves  to 
earnest  prayer,  and  cherish  a  submissive,  holy  confidence 
in  God,  that  he  will  bring  to  pass  that  which  is  good. 
Indeed,  I  have  so  often  marked  the  evident  interposition 
of  the  divine  hand  in  the  affairs  of  that  college — to  give 
a  favorable  turn  to  a  perilous  crisis — that  my  perfect 
confidence  as  to  the  ultimate  relief  and  usefulness  of  the 
institution,  seems  not,   in  the  smallest  degree,  shaken 


182  MEMOIR  OF  KEV.  LUTHER  RICE 

by  the  late  truly  afflictive  event — nay,  I  had  almost  said, 
it  is  even  increased,  strengthened,  and  confirmed. 

"One  circumstance  gives  me  particular  encourage- 
ment and  satisfaction:  the  number  of  young  ministers, 
as  well  as  other  students,  is  increasing  at  the  college. 
This  will  tend  to  enhance  the  energy  and  effect  of  prayer, 
on  which  the  greatest  reliance  ought  to  be  placed,  touch- 
ing the  prosperity  of  the  institution.  Let  me  add — for 
the  consideration  cannot  be  too  deeply  impressed — the 
proper  collegiate  education  of  young  ministers  is,  with 
me,  the  essential  and  paramount  object  of  all  my  exer- 
tions. 

"In  affectionate  Christian  regard,  very  sincerely 
yours, 

"Luther  Rice.*' 

It  will  here  be  proper  to  institute  some  inquiries  in 
relation  to  the  causes  which  led  to  such  serious  pecuniary 
embarrassments,  in  connection  with  the  Columbian  Col- 
lege. It  would  not  be  doing  justice  to  the  memory  of 
its  distinguished  founder,  or  to  the  denomination  with 
which  in  some  measure  it  has  been  identified,  if  the 
biographer  should  allow  this  subject  to  pass  without  com- 
ment. Delicate  and  difficult  as  the  task  may  be,  faith- 
fulness requires  that  it  shall  be  attempted. 

At  one  period  in  the  history  of  the  college,  there  was 
entertained  towards  Mr.  Rice,  by  many  of  his  brethren, 
a  strong  feeling  of  disapprobation.  They  were  inclined 
to  impute  to  him  a  large  share  of  the  censure  in  that 
succession  of  calamities  which  befell  the  college.  By 
some,  he  was  treated  in  a  manner  approaching  to  harsh- 
ness, and  even  virulence;  others,  again,  were  inclined 
to  view  him  with  a  partial  eye,  and  to  consider  his  whole 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  183 

course  as  faultless.  They  regarded  him,  in  all  respects, 
as  an  injured  man.  The  acrimonious  feelings  engendered 
by  this  controversy  were,  happily,  not  of  long  continu- 
ance. A  calm  survey  of  the  whole  transaction,  since  the 
excitement  has  passed  away,  furnishes  abundant  evidence 
that  if  there  were  blame  to  rest  upon  any,  it  might  justly 
be  borne  by  all  who  were  prominently  engaged  in  the 
enterprise. 

That  the  subject  of  this  memoir  erred,  none  can  doubt. 
This  he  himself  believed.  His  expectations  were  too 
sanguine;  and  in  the  pecuniary  management  of  the  in- 
stitution he  was  not  sufficiently  cautious.  He  was  will- 
ing to  assume  too  much  responsibility  in  the  erection 
of  the  buildings,  and  thus  incurring  heavy  expenses, 
without  an  immediate  prospect  of  funds  to  meet  them. 
In  taking  such  a  course,  he  was  not  without  a  confident 
reliance  on  his  own  ability  to  obtain  sufficient  contribu- 
tions from  the  friends  of  learning,  to  liquidate  what- 
ever debt  might  be  contracted.  In  all  this,  the  error 
he  committed  was  an  error  of  judgment.  While  there 
was  allowed  a  degree  of  heedlessness  in  the  accumula- 
tion of  debt,  he  was  nevertheless,  governed  by  motives 
of  a  high  and  noble  character.  The  good  of  the  denomi- 
nation, and  the  prosperity  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom, 
were  the  great  objects  he  sought  to  accomplish;  and,  if 
he  merited  censure  for  injudiciously  contracting  these 
liabilities,  he  was  not  alone  in  the  imprudence.  There 
were  others  who  were  entitled  to  an  equal  share  of  the 
blame. 

Another  respect  in  which  the  course  of  Mr.  Rice  may 
be  considered  as  liable  to  serious  objection,  consisted  in 
the  manner  of  conducting  his  agency.  The  sanguine- 
ness  of  his  hopes,  and  the  confidence  he  had  in  his  own 


184  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

ability  to  carry  forward  the  scheme  to  its  ultimate 
triumph,  prevented  him  from  making  a  candid  repre- 
sentation of  the  real  state  of  things.  Accustomed,  him- 
self, to  look  on  the  bright  side,  and  knowing  how  easily 
the  public  mind  becomes  discouraged  by  the  appearance 
of  obstacles,  he  was  prone  to  place  the  condition  of  the 
college  in  a  more  favorable  light  than  facts  would  war- 
rant. This  was  true  in  regard  to  his  appeals  to  the  pub- 
lic, and  in  his  reports  to  the  Board,  as  agent. 

While  these  things  are  all  alleged,  it  cannot  be  con- 
cealed that  others  who  had  the  management  of  the  insti- 
tution, very  greatly  erred  in  allowing  him  to  sustain  so 
much  of  the  burden,  incident  to  the  erection  of  the  build- 
ings, the  support  of  the  faculty,  and  the  payment  of  the 
debts.  And  at  the  time  when  a  system  of  retrenchment 
had  just  been  commenced ;  when  vigorous  efforts  were 
about  to  be  made  by  him  especially,  to  raise  funds  in  the 
south  for  the  entire  extinguishment  of  the  debt;  such 
was  the  strong  feeling  indulged  against  him,  that  he  was 
called  home,  and  detained  there  for  a  series  of  months 
in  the  investigation  of  the  accounts. 

With  the  management  of  the  institution  he  ought  to 
have  had  nothing  to  do.  As  a  financier,  he  certainly 
did  not  excel.  The  formation  of  contracts,  and  the  dis- 
bursement of  funds,  should  have  been  committed  to  other 
hands,  not  even  should  the  duties  of  treasurer  have  de- 
volved on  him;  simply  for  this  reason,  that  all  these 
varied  labours  were  far  more  than  any  one  man  could 
perform.  The  agency  alone  was  sufficient  to  engross  his 
undivided  energies. 

If  the  Board  had  resolutely  required  him  to  confine 
his  attention  to  the  duties  of  the  agency,  while  a  rigid 
and  cautious  economy  characterized  all  their  expendi- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  185 

tures,  there  is  reason  to  believe  the  melancholy  passages 
in  the  history  of  the  college  had  never  been  written.  Mr. 
Rice  would  thus  have  found  ample  scope  for  his  noble 
talents;  not  only  in  directing  and  increasing  the  be- 
nevolence of  the  churches  throughout  our  land,  but  in 
awakening  a  greater  desire  to  improve  the  rising  minis- 
try, and  to  advance  in  general,  the  interests  of  educa- 
tion. Instead  of  this,  the  labours  he  performed  were 
sufficient  to  wear  out  five  men  of  vigorous  minds  and 
iron  constitutions.  So  far  from  complaining  that  so 
little  was  done,  we  have  reason  to  be  surprised,  that  un- 
der all  the  circumstances,  he  accomplished  so  much. 

The  most  searching  investigations  of  his  conduct,  in 
connection  with  the  embarrassment  of  the  college,  leave 
not  the  shadow  of  suspicion  on  his  integrity.  Never  was 
man  less  tinctured  with  mere  worldly  selfishness.  In  his 
whole  history,  as  agent,  he  literally  sought  not  his  own ; 
and  as  the  event  has  proved,  for  years,  actually  toiled 
without  fee  or  reward  beyond  his  personal  expenses.  The 
real  amount  of  sacrifice  and  suffering  he  endured  in 
performing  what  he  thought  to  be  his  duty,  will  never 
be  known  until  the  last  day. 

That  the  observations  just  made  respecting  the  causes 
of  embarrassment,  are  in  accordance  with  the  views  en- 
tertained by  Mr.  Rice  himself,  will  appear  from  the  fol- 
lowing extract  of  a  letter  written  by  him  to  a  friend,  on 
this  subject. 

'  *  Very  Dear  Brother  : — Permit  me  to  present  to  you 
a  brief  explanation  concerning  the  Columbian  College; 
although  a  painful  task,  as  it  must  place  the  conduct 
of  all  parties  in  unfavorable  aspect,  connected  with  a 
result  truly  mournful! 


186  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"1st.  Four  unfortunate  errors  produced  in  the  first 
instance,  the  embarrassment  of  the  institution,  viz. :  going 
in  debt,  too  much  cost  and  parade  of  faculty,  incau- 
tiously crediting  students  and  supporting  beneficiaries 
without  means,  and  my  remaining  so  much  of  my  time 
at  the  college  to  assist  in  managing  its  affairs,  instead 
of  being  constantly  out  collecting  funds. 

"2nd.  This  erroneous  course  was  fallen  into  more 
readily,  because  at  the  time,  funds  were  circulating  free- 
ly through  the  community,  and  subscriptions  and  col- 
lections were  easily  obtained.  But  when  debts  had  been 
contracted,  an  over  proportion  of  faculty  employed,  stu- 
dents largely  indulged  on  credit,  with  beneficiaries  on 
hand,  a  great  change  took  place  in  the  financial  condi- 
tion of  the  whole  country ;  still  hoping  this  state  of  things 
would  prove  only  temporary,  the  corrective  was  not  im- 
mediately applied,  as  it  ought  to  have  been,  and  serious 
embarrassment,  at  length,  began  to  be  felt. ' ' 

This  extract  shows  beyond  the  power  of  misconcep- 
tion, his  own  impression,  that  with  others,  he  had  erred 
in  some  things  connected  with  the  elevation  of  the  col- 
lege. From  the  whole  financial  history  of  this  institu- 
tion, we  may  infer  that  there  was  much  improper  man- 
agement, and  all  the  facts  of  the  case,  justify  the  con- 
clusion, that  there  was  too  great  haste  to  make  it  a  highly 
popular  institution.  Those  who  were  most  intimately 
connected  with  its  rise  and  early  history,  have  been  them- 
selves ready  to  acknowledge,  that  too  much  of  ostenta- 
tion was  intermingled  with  their  operations.  Besides, 
there  is  reason  to  believe,  that  this,  his  favorite  project, 
began  to  occupy  too  large  a  place  in  the  attention  of 
the  subject  of  this  memoir.     It  might  have  been  better 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  HITHER  RICE  187 

to  allow  the  college  to  gain  gradually  upon  the  affections 
of  the  denomination,  and  thus  by  degrees,  to  reach  that 
elevated  position  which  would  have  given  it  influence, 
and  insured  its  usefulness,  while  a  considerable  portion 
of  his  time  should  still  be  consecrated  to  the  mission 
cause. 

There  is,  however,  a  misapprehension  into  which  the 
reader  may  be  led,  in  surveying  the  details  of  disap- 
pointment and  adversity  that  marked  the  history  of  the 
college.  It  may  be  supposed,  that  its  reverses  were 
wholly  the  result  of  the  imprudences  to  which  reference 
has  been  made.  This  is  far  from  being  the  fact.  The 
want  of  success  in  liquidating  the  debt  may  be  at- 
tributed to  another  cause.  When  the  college  was  pro- 
jected, there  were  but  few  denominational  seminaries 
of  learning  in  our  land,  and  it  was  intended  to  make 
this  a  great  national  institution,  which  should  mainly 
supply  our  exigencies.  But  subsequently,  local  institu- 
tions have  sprung  up  in  different  parts  of  our  country, 
and  each  state  has  been  required  to  foster  that  which  was 
within  its  own  precincts.  Thus  the  Columbian  College, 
belonging  to  no  particular  section,  but  to  the  whole,  has 
been  left  to  feel  the  withering  influence  of  neglect. 

It  ought  too,  to  be  borne  in  mind  by  the  reader,  that 
numerous  as  have  been  the  calamities  which  this  insti- 
tution has  suffered,  it  has  been  most  signally  honored 
of  God,  in  sending  from  its  walls  some  of  the  brightest 
and  best  in  our  own,  or  any  other  denomination.  It 
would  be  invidious  to  mention  names.  Several  of  her 
alumni  have  closed  a  useful  course  in  their  Master's 
service,  and  are  now  reaping  their  reward  on  high; 
while  many  others  in  different  parts  of  our  country,  are 
bearing  the  standard  of  truth,  and  waging  a  deadly  war 


188  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

against  the  powers  of  darkness.  And  the  hope  may  be 
justly  entertained,  that  from  these  halls  of  learning, 
many  are  yet  to  go  forth  to  bless  the  world. 

The  attention  of  the  reader  will  now  be  directed  to 
the  continued  exertions  of  Mr.  Rice  to  rescue  the  college, 
and  the  deep  solicitude  he  felt  for  the  accomplishment  of 
this  object.  In  writing  to  a  friend  in  South  Carolina, 
he  indulges  in  the  following  strain. 

"It  is  my  wish  that  all  eyes,  and  all  hearts,  and  all 
exertions,  should  be  directed  simply  to  the  great  object 
of  freeing  the  college  from  debt.  When  this  is  done; 
when  the  edifice  is  fairly  up  and  only  the  outside  finished, 
we  may  begin  to  take  down  the  staging  and  scaffolding, 
and  may  contemplate  for  a  moment  some  of  the  unneces- 
sary rubbish  as  well  as  unnecessary  jars  among  the 
builders,  if  we  please.  But  at  present,  the  single  aim 
of  all  should  be  to  save  what  has  been  done  from  being 
lost.  My  anxiety,  as  it  has  ever  been,  is  still  directed  to 
the  accomplishment  of  the  great  object  itself,  very  little 
concerned  for  myself  personally  in  this  relation." 

How  much  the  improvement  of  the  ministry  occupied 
his  thoughts,  will  be  still  farther  manifest  from  the  fol- 
lowing brief  extract  of  a  letter,  to  elder  Estes,  of  South 
Carolina. 

"Very  Dear  Brother: — In  the  kindness  of  divine 
Providence,  it  so  happened  that  I  made  a  visit  to  Col- 
lege Hill,  last  month,  when  I  had  the  particular  satis- 
faction of  finding  your  affectionate  letter  of  the  15th  of 
June.  Truly  refreshing  to  my  heart  are  such  friendly 
communications  from  my  dear  brethren. 

"I  wish  you  had  happened  to  fall  in  with  brother 
Brookes,  personally,  as  I  think  you  would  have  been 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  189 

pleased  with  him.  His  views,  probably,  of  the  proper 
manner  of  conducting  religious  matters,  would  not  mate- 
rially differ  from  yours.  But  although  in  times  of  re- 
vival in  religion,  there  is  often  much  that  is  trashy,  it 
is  in  some  sense  almost  unavoidable  that  it  should  be  so ; 
and  this  makes  it  more  exceedingly  important  that  the 
ministry  themselves  should  be  well  instructed,  and  be 
led  to  entertain  correct,  enlarged,  and  discriminating 
views.  From  this,  therefore,  as  from  every  point  of 
vision,  I  derive  augmenting  force  to  the  conviction  of  the 
great  importance  to  young  ministers  of  education,  piety, 
and  every  valuable  attribute,  to  constitute  them  good 
ministers  of  Jesus  Christ ;  workmen  that  need  not  to  he 
ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth. 

"And  0  my  dear  brother,  should  it  please  God  to 
increase  the  students  of  the  Columbian  College  to  sixty 
or  seventy  only,  and  once  more  grant  a  revival  among 
them,  and  convert  some  dozen  or  twenty  more,  and  call 
several  of  those  converts  to  the  blessed  work  of  the  min- 
istry, what  an  ample  recompense  it  would  be  for  all  the 
toils  and  sacrifices  that  have  yet  been  employed  in  the 
case!  And  if  the  number  of  students  should  be  still 
more  considerably  multiplied,  and  it  should  please  the 
Father  of  mercies  from  time  to  time  to  pour  his  spirit 
upon  them,  as  have  often  happened  in  some  institutions 
at  the  North,  under  the  conduct  of  pious  men,  what  a 
happy  thing  it  would  be  for  the  churches,  and  for  the 
whole  community!  For  this  let  us  pray  earnestly,  and 
without  ceasing." 

During  all  the  trials  of  the  college,  hope  never  for- 
sook him.  It  was  his  fixed  belief  that  its  debts  would 
be  liquidated,  and  though  himself  subject  to  painful  sac- 


190  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

rifiees,  his  spirits  were  buoyant  and  cheerful.  In  refer- 
ence to  the  college,  he  remarks,  in  one  of  his  circulars: 

"In  relation  to  the  college,  my  hope  of  its  ultimate 
success  and  usefulness  has  never  been  shaken.  Present 
indications,  too,  are  favorable.  The  letter  of  brother 
Clopton,  published  some  time  since,  and  that  of  brother 
Shannon,  more  recently,  are  well  calculated  to  awaken 
attention  and  effort  in  its  favor.  The  friends  in  Geor- 
gia are  setting  a  noble  example,  and  will  be  followed, 
no  doubt,  by  those  of  South  Carolina  and  other  places. 
They  are  determined,  not  only  to  do  something,  but  to 
do  it  promptly,  without  waiting  to  see  what  others  will 
perform.  This  will  settle,  without  controversy,  the  ques- 
tion of  saving  the  college. 

"I  once  saw  a  building  in  flames,  and  several  houses 
near  it  in  danger  of  being  fired,  while  a  multitude  stood 
uselessly  gazing  with  intense  anxiety  to  see  whether  those 
houses  would  he  saved  or  burned!  when  an  individual 
or  two  earnestly  called  out  to  them  to  range  themselves 
in  lines,  and  pass  buckets  of  water  from  a  neighboring 
stream — and  thus  the  houses  were  saved.  Let  the  ex- 
ample of  our  southern  friends  be  imitated  by  others; 
let  every  one  do  what  he  is  willing  to  do  and  do  it 
promptly,  without  waiting  to  see  whether  the  college 
will  be  saved  or  not — this  will  save  it.  I  rejoice  that 
the  views  of  the  friends  of  the  institution  are  taking 
this  tendency.  The  late  movements  of  the  board  of 
trustees  will,  it  is  confidently  believed,  invigorate  this 
course  of  action.  The  number  of  students,  too,  has  been 
gradually  increasing;  so  that  there  is  good  reason  to 
hope  that  the  institution  will  rise  into  a  condition  of 
prosperity  and  reputation.  And,  while  I  deeply  lament 
the  necessity  of  the  exposition  promised  in  the  foregoing 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  191 

communication,  it  is  truly  consoling  to  my  bosom,  that 
the  object  for  which  I  have  so  incessantly  laboured  the 
last  ten  years  is  likely  to  be  accomplished." 

In  writing  to  elder  A.  M.  Poindexter  on  the  same 
subject,  he  says,  ''It  is  all-important  to  bestir  ourselves, 
and  carry  forward  the  college  to  a  condition  of  respecta- 
bility and  useful  action.  My  conviction  of  the  feasibil- 
ity and  importance  of  this  remains  the  same.  It  is  a 
duty  which  the  Baptists  owe  to  themselves,  to  the  other 
denominations,  to  the  community  at  large,  to  the  city  of 
Washington,  to  the  government  of  our  country,  to  this 
nation,  to  the  world,  and,  especially,  to  the  cause  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Take  hold  with  me,  my  dear 
brother ;  we  shall  soon  get  others  to  help  also ;  and,  with 
the  blessing,  something  can  be  done!" 

At  another  time  he  thus  writes:  "The  Lord's  arm  is 
not  shortened,  that  it  cannot  save.  Who  can  tell  how 
soon  he  may  send  prosperity,  and  a  rich  and  extensive 
blessing.  My  hope  of  ultimate  complete  success  is  not 
broken ;  and  if  I  have  sometimes  seemed  to  hope  against 
hope,  you  will  recollect  it  is  not  the  first  instance  of  the 
kind  that  has  ever  occurred.  Our  God  can  do  every 
thing!" 


CHAPTER   XI 

Reference  to  Mr.  Rice's  Trials — Sympathy  Needed — His 
Friends  Numerous — The  Prejudices  of  Many  Soft- 
ened— Amicable  Relations  with  Others  Restored — 
Interesting  Letter  to  Mr.  Judson — Concern  for  Re- 
vival of  Religion  in  the  District  of  Columbia — Con- 
dition of  Baptist  Churches  in  That  Region — Let- 
ters— Desire  to  Settle  in  Washington — This  Wish 
not  Realized — Refiectioyis — Mr.  Rice's  Health  Be- 
comes Seriously  Impaired — Causes — Reference  to 
Severe  Illness. 

It  has  already  been  intimated  that  the  subject  of  this 
memoir  was  compelled,  at  one  period,  to  struggle  against 
a  swelling  tide  of  opposition  from  various  sources.  In 
addition  to  the  embarrassments  of  the  college,  which 
were  by  some  attributed  to  his  mismanagement,  he  be- 
came personally  involved  in  debt;  and,  being  unable  to 
comply  with  his  engagements,  unpleasant  feelings  were, 
on  this  account,  entertained  towards  him.  What  served 
also  to  increase  opposition,  was  the  fact,  that,  as  the 
treasurer  and  principal  manager,  he  had  personally 
much  to  do  in  making  contracts,  and  bearing  pecuniary 
responsibility,  on  behalf  of  the  college.  Funds  not  be- 
ing realized  according  to  expectation,  he  was  unpre- 
pared to  meet  the  claims  of  creditors,  and  upon  him 
fell  the  whole  weight  of  exasperated  feeling  created  by 
such  a  disappointment.  At  this  juncture,  though  in 
common  with  many  others  he  might  have  been  injudi- 
cious in  thus  hastily  forming  contracts,  he  was  much 
in  need  of  the  sympathy  and  aid  of  his  brethren.    An 

[192] 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  193 

almost  crushing  load  of  cares  oppressed  his  mind,  while 
every  nerve  was  strained  to  collect  the  requisite  funds 
to  satisfy  the  creditors,  and  save  the  institution  from 
ruin.  Perhaps  few  were  able  fully  to  enter  into  all  the 
peculiarities  of  his  situation,  while  too  many  were  in- 
clined unduly  to  censure  him.  It  should  be  stated,  how- 
ever, that  he  found  many  friends,  especially  at  the 
South,  who  were  unwilling  to  abandon  him.  As  much 
the  greater  part  of  his  time  had  been  spent  among 
them,  they  had  been  witnesses  of  his  disinterestedness, 
his  suffering,  and  toil.  They  continued,  through  him 
to  contribute  to  the  college,  and  by  their  personal  kind- 
ness did  much  to  sooth  his  lacerated  mind.  There  never 
was  a  time  when  at  their  dwellings,  or  at  the  house  of 
God,  he  did  not  receive  a  cordial  welcome. 

It  is  pleasing  to  be  able  to  state,  that  after  the  excite- 
ment occasioned  by  the  embarrassments  of  the  college 
had  passed  away,  a  more  friendly  state  of  feeling  be- 
gan to  exist  between  Mr.  Rice  and  those  with  whom 
there  had  been  personal  misunderstanding.  Those  also 
who  had  regarded  his  course  with  marked  censure, 
again  viewed  him  in  a  more  favorable  light.  In  the 
exercise  of  that  humility  so  peculiarly  the  result  of 
Christian  principle,  he  addressed  letters  to  several 
brethren,  acknowledging  those  particulars  in  which  he 
felt  himself  to  have  been  defective,  and  desiring  that 
the  same  friendly  relations  which  had  previously  existed, 
might  be  restored.  Those  communications,  with  their 
replies,  evince  the  triumph  of  holy  feeling  over  the 
selfishness  of  depraved  human  nature.  A  letter  referring 
to  this  subject,  addressed  to  his  far  distant  and  much 
loved  brother  Judson,  will  bring  before  the  reader  this 
whole  subject.     Some  of  the  allusions  are  truly  touch- 


194  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

ing;  indeed,  the  whole  epistle  seems  to  have  been  the 
effusion  of  a  heart  overflowing  with  tenderness  and 
Christian  love. 

"College  Hill,  D.  C. 

''Very  Dear  Brother:— I  date  'College  Hill,  D.  C 
because  my  papers  are  in  a  room  of  the  Columbian  Col- 
lege, at  that  place ;  and  that,  although  I  have  no  right 
of  property  there,  is  the  only  spot  having  any  thing  of 
the  nature  of  home  on  earth — except,  indeed,  the  af- 
fectionate kindness  of  many  brethren  and  their  families, 
where  I  am  in  the  habit  of  calling,  in  different  and  dis- 
tant parts  of  the  country.  These  homes,  as  I  frequently 
call  them,  are  exceedingly  dear  to  me.  None  but  a  pil- 
grim, literally  'sine  domo,'  as  one  of  my  brethren  ad- 
dressed me  in  a  letter,  can  realize  how  sweetly  precious 
they  are. 

"One  of  these,  where  I  frequently  find  rest  and  com- 
fort, as  did  the  prophet  by  the  kindness  of  the  good 
woman,  who  had  a  chamber  built  for  him  upon  the  top 
of  her  house,  is  the  home  of  brother  Wm.  H.  Turpin, 
at  Augusta,  Ga.,  which  place  is,  as  I  sometimes  say,  my 
southern  head-quarters  for  the  winter ;  and  whose  name 
has  probably  become  somewhat  familiar  to  you  through 
brother  Simons,  brother  and  sister  Wade,  and  by  other 
sources.  Another  is  that  of  elder  Jesse  Mercer,  Wash- 
ington, Ga.  Another,  Archibald  Thomas,  Richmond, 
Va.,  and  I  might  mention  many  more.  I  am  now  at 
Powelton,  Ga.,  although  my  letter  is  headed  College 
Hill,  D.  C,  at  the  house  of  Dr.  CuUen  Battle.  He  is  a 
precious  brother,  and  his  wife  a  precious  sister,  wealthy, 
and  very  liberal — and  this  also,  is  one  of  my  homes. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  195 

"I  am  on  my  way  to  Alabama,  notwithstanding  the 
lateness  of  the  season ;  but  hope,  if  it  shall  please  the 
Lord  to  prosper  my  way,  to  be  in  Virginia  again  early 
in  August.  My  health,  which  has  been  a  good  deal 
shaken  and  imperfect  for  somewhat  more  than  two  years 
past,  appears  to  be  returning  towards  its  former  sound- 
ness and  strength,  for  which  I  desire  to  glorify  God. 

"You  are  aware,  my  dear  brother,  that  some  years 
ago,  things  occurred  between  myself  and  brother  Stow, 
that  were  exceedingly  unpleasant,  and  of  a  nature  high- 
ly culpable  and  injurious.  A  perfectly  cordial  and 
happy  reconciliation  has  taken  place  between  us.  This 
is,  I  believe,  the  Lord's  doing,  for  which,  I  desire  ex- 
ceedingly, to  glorify  his  name.  I  wrote  him  last  winter 
from  this  quarter,  acknowledging  my  own  wrong,  and 
asking  his  forgiveness.  0 !  that  is  a  sweet  passage  in 
the  book  of  God:  'Forgive  and  ye  shall  he  forgiven/ 
And  that  is  a  blessed  precept :  '  Confess  your  faults  one 
to  another,  and  pray  one  for  another,  that  ye  may  he 
healed.'  In  reply  to  my  letter,  brother  Stow  wrote  me 
immediately,  under  date,  'Boston,  27th  February,  1835,' 
among  other  things,  saying :  *  I  wrote  you  seven  years 
ago,  under  the  influence  of  feelings  and  convictions,  such 
as  seem  to  have  dictated  yours.  I  deeply  felt  at  the 
time,  and  have  so  felt  ever  since,  that  in  the  unpleasant 
differences  which  occurred  between  us,  I  had  unneces- 
sarily injured  you,  and  I  then  felt,  and  still  feel,  that 
I  ought  to  acknowledge  the  wrong,  and  solicit  forgive- 
ness. I  freely  forgive  you,  my  dear  brother,  and  feel 
as  cordial  towards  you  as  at  any  period  since  our  first 
acquaintance.  I  shall  be  happy  again  to  meet  you,  and 
to  say  many  things  that  I  cannot  write,  I  feel  under 
obligations  to  you  for  many  acts  of  kindness;  I  should 


196  MEMOIR  OF  EEV.  LUTHER  RICE 

be  glad  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  reciprocate  tliem.' 
The  letter  'seven  years  ago,'  never  reached  me. 

"Brother  Knowles,  for  whom  I  have  ever  entertained 
a  sincere  and  high  regard,  to  whom  I  wrote  about  the 
same  time,  touching  various  topics,  beside  a  reference  to 
some  unpleasantness  and  faultiness  of  mine  in  past  days, 
under  date,  'Newton  Centre,  February  16,  1835,'  wrote: 
'I  received  and  read  with  great  pleasure  your  letter.  I 
hasten  to  reply.  It  has,  indeed,  often  been  my  inten- 
tion to  write  to  you,  but  the  pressure  of  many  cares, 
and  the  uncertainty  for  the  greater  part  of  the  time, 
that  a  letter  would  reach  you,  have  hitherto  prevented 
me.  You  raay  be  assured,  that  my  feelings  towards  you 
have  always  been  of  the  most  cordial  good  will.  What- 
ever I  may  have  thought  or  said  at  moments  of  excite- 
ment, respecting  your  official  conduct,  I  have  never 
ceased  to  regard  you  with  sincere  respect  for  your 
talents,  with  gratitude  for  your  public  services,  and  for 
your  personal  kindness  to  me,  and  with  affection  for 
your  many  virtues,  I  have  often  taken  occasion  to  de- 
fend you.  I  have  maintained  your  integrity,  your  dis- 
interestedness, and  the  sincerity  of  your  aims.  I  have 
desired,  and  predicted  that  you  would  one  day  fully  re- 
instate yourself  in  the  confidence  and  affections  of  your 
brethren.  I  have  contended,  that  if  there  has  been 
wrong,  the  blame  does  not  belong  to  you  alone,  but  must 
be  shared,  in  a  large  measure,  by  others.' 

"After  noticing  some  things  in  which  his  view  of  the 
course  it  was  expedient  for  me  to  pursue  had  been 
different  from  mine,  he  adds:  'I  mention  these  things, 
my  dear  brother,  not  to  censure  you  because  you  have 
thought  proper  to  act  otherwise.  Yours  may  have  been 
the  wiser  course.     God  has  certainly  prospered  you.    I 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  197 

honor  you  for  the  perseverance  you  have  shown,  and  I 
mourn  that  so  much  of  your  vahiable  life  has  been  spent 
in  rescuing  the  college.  I  grieve  that  your  constitution 
seems  to  be  giving  way.  I  do  earnestly  pray  that  God 
will  preserve  your  life,  and  enable  you  to  complete  your 
plans  on  behalf  of  the  college.  I  rejoice  that  the  institu- 
tion is  in  a  more  prosperous  state.  I  have  never  relin- 
quished the  belief  that  God  would  make  it  useful.  My 
estimate  of  its  importance,  has  of  late,  been  immeasur- 
ably increased. 

"  'And  now,  my  dear  brother,  you  perceive  how  un- 
necessary it  was  to  ask  my  forgiveness.  I  never  felt  my- 
self injured,  and  there  never  has  been  a  time  when  I 
could  not  most  cordially  take  you  by  the  hand.  Yet  at 
moments  of  excitement,  I  may  have  done  or  said  some- 
thing to  injure  your  feelings.  If  so,  I  am  sincerely  sorry, 
and  ask  your  forgiveness.  May  our  gracious  Saviour 
forgive  us  all,  and  make  us  henceforward,  more  fit  to 
serve  him.' 

"Brother  Chase,  truly  a  brother  beloved — date, 
'Newton  Theological  Institution,  February  22d,  1835,' 
also  says :  '  The  reference  which  you  make  to  the  period 
of  my  residence  on  College  Hill,  and  the  sentiments 
which  you  express,  have  awakened  emotions  which  I  shall 
not  attempt  to  describe.  Rest  assured,  my  dear  brother, 
that  not  a  particle  of  hardness  towards  you  is  cherished 
in  my  bosom.  I  have  remembered  you  Avith  fraternal 
feeling  in  my  prayers,  and  have  thus  found  a  sweet  re- 
lief, amidst  the  pangs  occasioned  by  the  change  in  our 
relations.  0  how  strong  the  motives  derived  from  the 
cross  of  Christ,  and  the  high  and  holy  duties  to  which 
we  are  called,  and  the  hope  of  heaven,  to  love  one  an- 
other, and  to  forgive  as  we  hope  to  be  forgiven!     God 


198  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

grant  that  during  the  remnant  of  our  sojourn  on  earth, 
we  may  "keep  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of 
peace."  ' 

"What  I  had  to  confess  was  chiefly,  and  I  knew  not 
how  to  express  it  more  fully,  pride  and  naughtiness  of 
spirit.  I  made  no  complaint  against  any.  I  desired  a 
state  of  relations  such  as  these  extracts  indicate  now 
the  existence  of;  and  while  I  would  continually  humble 
myself  before  God,  desire  exceedingly  to  glorify  him  for 
these  tokens  of  his  favor.  I  thought  it  might  be  some 
consolation  to  you,  my  very  dear  brother,  to  see  these 
indications, 

"Most  affectionately  yours, 

"Luther  Rice,'* 

Among  other  objects  which  engaged  the  attention  of 
Mr.  Rice,  it  should  be  recorded,  that  towards  the  close 
of  his  life,  he  entertained  a  very  deep  concern  for  a 
revival  of  religion  among  the  Baptists  of  the  city  of 
"Washington,  and  its  vicinity.  In  the  northern  part  of 
Virginia,  with  the  District  of  Columbia  and  the  State 
of  Maryland,  the  churches  of  our  denomination  have, 
within  the  last  quarter  of  a  century,  undergone  a  most 
melancholy  change.  The  spirit  of  Antinomianism,  with 
all  its  blighting  influence,  has  been  at  work.  It  is  true, 
there  have  been  exceptions ;  but  with  respect  to  the  larger 
portions,  the  facts  are  too  apparent  to  be  denied. 

The  ministry  are  justly  to  be  charged  with  a  great 
part  of  the  blame,  in  the  existence  of  this  unhappy  state 
of  things.  Possessing  but  few  scriptural  qualifications 
of  good  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  tendency  of  their 
labours  could  be  no  other  than  pernicious.  Deprived  of 
her  lovely  symmetry,  and  attired  in  a  garb  unsuited  to 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  199 

her  native  dignity,  truth  was  left  to  weep  over  the  dis- 
grace and  shame  in  which  she  had  been  involved  by 
these  her  professed  friends.  A  few  doctrines  unconnected 
with  their  legitimate  practical  uses,  and  with  numerous 
distortions,  constituted  mostly  the  theme  of  their  dis- 
courses, and  were  urged  in  a  spirit  utterly  at  war  with 
the  genius  of  Christianity. 

It  is  not  strange,  that  beneath  influences  like  these, 
blasting  and  mildew  should  rest  on  this  portion  of  the 
garden  of  the  Lord.  The  pleasant  fruits  of  righteous- 
ness were  but  rarely  to  be  seen,  for  churches  gradually 
diminished  in  numbers  and  influence.  Their  system  of 
doctrinal  sentiment  precluded  the  duty  of  calling  on 
men  to  repent.  They  began  to  feel  but  little  concern 
for  the  extrication  of  sinners  from  Satan's  bondage, 
and,  as  a  necessary  consequence,  but  feeble  efforts  were 
made,  and  fevv^  sinners  converted.  It  had  been,  from  the 
origination  of  the  college,  an  object  of  high  importance 
with  Mr.  Rice,  to  effect  a  change  in  the  spiritual  condi- 
tion of  these  churches.  He  believed  that  the  institution, 
if  brought  into  prosperous  operation,  would  shed  around 
a  holy  influence,  which  might  be  felt  in  all  the  circum- 
jacent region.  To  this,  as  one  of  the  strongest  wishes 
of  his  heart,  he  frequently  referred,  in  mingling  with  his 
brethren,  and  in  his  letters  to  different  individuals. 
Writing  to  elder  A.  M.  Poindexter,  he  remarks: 

"In  very  intimate  connection  with  the  college  con- 
cern, I  am  exceedingly  anxious  to  see  something  done 
touching  the  building  up  of  the  Baptist  interest  in  Wash- 
ington and  Georgetown.  This  appears  quite  indispen- 
sable to  the  welfare  and  beneficial  influence  of  the  col- 
lege. My  mind  is  much  on  this  subject,  and  particularly 
with  reference  to  the  idea  of  attempting  something  there 


200  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

myself.  Touching  this  matter,  too,  I  want  your  aid.  I 
want,  distinctly,  your  help  in  relation  to  the  raising  of 
the  Baptist  interest  in  the  City,  Georgetown,  and  the 
region  roundabout  connected  with,  and  consequent 
upon,  your  agency  for  the  benefit  of  the  college.  Your 
aid,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  may  be  of  great  and  signal 
importance  and  value  to  the  Baptist  cause  there !  My 
dear  brother,  do  let  us  TRY  what  can  be  done  at  Wash- 
ington, in  point  of  religion.  Who  can  tell,  if,  perad- 
venture,  the  Lord  will  approve  the  effort,  and  add  his 
effectual  blessing!  'Beginning  at  Jerusalem.'  I  do 
think  we  ought  to  strive  to  build  up  the  cause  at  Wash- 
ington. ' ' 

At  another  time  he  says,  "Should  it  please  the  Lord 
to  bless  the  effort  to  build  up  the  cause  of  religion — a 
Baptist  church  or  two  at  Washington — probably  I  may 
be  able  to  do  more  for  the  college  itself  in  a  short  time, 
in  that  connection,  than  in  my  present  sphere  of  labour. 
I  mentioned  this  matter  in  a  letter  to  a  friend  of  mine 
at  Washington,  who  seems  at  once  all  alive  with  the 
idea.  I  know  not  what  may  be  in  the  future  of  Divine 
Providence,  but  wish  simply  to  move  on  in  the  line  of 
duty.  Blessed  be  God  for  that  promise:  'In  all  thy 
ways  acknowledge  him,  and  he  will  direct  thy  paths. ' 

"My  dear  brother,  I  beseech  you  take  hold  with  us. 
Let  us  see  what,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  we  can  do 
for  Washington  and  the  college,  cast  in  thy  lot  with  us. 
First  of  all,  labour  a  year  or  two  in  collecting  funds, 
getting  subscriptions,  &c.  Endeavor  at  least  to  obtain 
one  professorship  or  more.  And,  then,  if  Providence 
favor  the  plan,  as  might  probably  be  the  case,  settle 
there.  Labour  enough  for  your  powers  will  be  needed 
there.    And  talents,  such  as  heaven  has  bestowed  on  you, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  201 

ought  to  be  employed  at  the  more  important  points — 
'heginning,'  said  the  precious  Redeemer,  'at  Jerusalem.* 
I  do  think  it  the  duty  of  the  Baptists,  and  of  some 
particular  ones  personally,  to  take  hold  of  the  business 
at  Washington,  as  if  they  meant  to  do  it!" 

These  extracts  more  than  intimate  his  expectation  of 
an  ultimate  settlement  at  some  point  contiguous  to  the 
college,  with  the  design  of  attempting  to  assist  in  the 
elevation  of  the  Baptist  cause  there.  Having  pursued  a 
migratory  life  for  so  many  years,  he  began  to  feel  ex- 
ceedingly desirous  to  employ  his  entire  time  in  study 
and  pastoral  labour.  Connected  with  this  determination, 
at  one  period  there  was  some  probability  that  he  might 
enter  into  the  matrimonial  connection.  Relating  to  his 
permanent  location  in  Washington,  he  thus  writes  to  a 
friend : 

"I  feel  anxious  for  the  cause  of  religion  in  Washing- 
ton and  Georgetown ;  and  am  thinking  whether  it  may 
not  be  my  duty  now,  that  the  college  matters  are  ap- 
proaching a  condition  that  may  allow  of  my  locating,  to 
attempt  something  in  Washington  and  Georgetown. 
Should  it  come  to  this,  your  exertions  may  be  of  much 
importance  in  the  case.  I  do  not  wish  this  idea  to  be 
talked  about ;  but  I  wish  you  to  pray  to  God  to  direct 
me  in  reference  to  it,  and  to  lead  me  in  the  way  that 
he  will  indeed  approve  and  bless.  I  do  greatly  long  to 
see  the  Baptist  cause  advance  in  Washington ;  and  to  see 
a  Baptist  church  established  at  Georgetown.  Such  a 
result  would  be  of  signal  advantage  to  the  college. 

' '  Last  night  I  was  looking  over  the  tenth  annual  report 
of  the  American  Tract  Society.  It  is  a  highly  interest- 
ing publication.  It  suggests  so  many  ways  of  personal 
exertion  in  doing  good,  that  I  feel  as  if  I  had  been  very 


202  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

criminally  negligent  all  my  life.  0  that  I  might  now 
'repent  and  do  the  first  work.'  0  that  I  may  indeed 
walk  circumspectly  redeeming  the  time  because  the  days 
are  evil. 

"The  state  of  things  among  the  Baptists  in  North 
Carolina,  particularly  in  regard  to  the  education  of  min- 
isters, and  all  the  evangelical  operations  of  the  present 
period,  is  rapidly  improving.  The  Baptist  community 
in  this  state  is  undergoing  a  very  happy  regeneration. 
This  took  its  rise  from  the  influence  of  the  Columbian 
College.  The  benefits  of  this  community  alone  from  that 
institution  are  a  sufficient  remuneration  for  that  whole 
concern;  but  still  greater  and  more  extensive  benefits 
will,  I  trust,  yet  spring  from  the  same  source." 

As  the  sequel  will  show,  the  all- wise  Disposer  of  events 
did  not  allow  his  servant  to  realize  the  long  cherished 
wishes  of  his  soul.  By  unremitted  toil  his  whole  life 
had  been  distinguished,  and  when  there  seemed  some 
probability  that  he  would  be  able  to  retire  from  the 
agency,  and  in  more  quiet,  but  not  less  useful  labours,  to 
devote  his  talents  to  God,  he  was  summoned  to  give  an 
account  of  his  stewardship.  Thus,  Moses,  the  leader  and 
lawgiver  of  Israel,  was  not  permitted  to  enjoy  the  ob- 
ject for  which  through  a  long  series  of  years,  he  had 
employed  his  undivided  energies.  Having  brought  his 
brethren  to  the  borders  of  the  promised  land,  from  Pis- 
gah's  top  he  surveyed  its  flowing  brooks,  its  fruitful 
hills  and  vales — and  died.  But  in  all  the  arrangements 
of  Jehovah,  even  though  the  expectations  of  men  may 
be  frustrated,  he  is  actuated  by  the  most  perfect  wis- 
dom and  benevolence.  It  becomes  us  in  all  things  sub- 
missively to  bow  to  his  adorable  will. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  203 

During  a  few  of  the  last  years  of  his  life,  Mr.  Rice  was 
frequently  the  subject  of  painful  disease.  None  can 
question  that  the  almost  unexampled  toils,  incident  to 
the  mission  and  college  agencies,  contributed  to  a  pre- 
mature prostration  of  his  physical  powers.  During  sev- 
eral years,  his  habits  were  exceedingly  and  in  some  re- 
spects necessarily  irregular.  In  endeavoring  to  rouse 
the  denomination  to  sympathize  in  the  woes  of  a  guilty 
world,  he  felt  that  a  great  work  was  committed  to  his 
hands.  To  the  utmost  of  his  strength  he  resolved  to 
fulfil  this  high  trust.  Appalled  by  no  surmountable 
difficulties,  and  conferring  not  with  flesh  and  blood,  he 
effected  from  week  to  week,  what  would  to  most  men 
have  seemed  altogether  impracticable.  Truly  may  it  be 
said,  that  whatever  his  hand  found  to  do,  he  did  it  with 
all  his  might.  He  would  sometimes  pleasantly  speak  of 
stepping  over  from  Virginia,  to  South  Carolina  or  Ala- 
bama. 

Sufficient  allusion  has  already  been  made  in  another 
part  of  this  memoir  to  the  repeated  and  long  journeys 
he  felt  himself  compelled  to  make,  that  he  might  reach 
important  meetings  of  the  denomination  in  different 
states.  In  these  journeys,  he  was  subject  to  hunger  and 
cold,  to  sleepless  nights,  and  perpetual  weariness,  often 
amounting  to  prostration. 

Besides  this  unremitted  exertion,  it  will  be  remembered 
that  during  his  residence  in  India,  he  suffered  with  al- 
most continual  affections  of  the  liver.  From  the  shock 
his  constitution  then  received,  as  Mr.  Judson  in  one  of 
his  letters  observes,  he  never  fully  recovered.  This  dis- 
ease in  consequence  of  frequent  exposures  and  unin- 
terrupted labour  began  to  assail  him  with  renewed  vio- 
lence.    In  many  instances,   a  characteristic  energy  of 


204  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

mind  prevented  him  from  yielding  to  the  claims  of  duty, 
which  would  have  led  him  to  intermit  his  toils,  and  sub- 
mit himself  to  necessary  medical  treatment.  When 
scarcely  able  to  leave  his  room,  he  would  sometimes 
preach  two  or  three  times,  spend  the  night  restlessly  and 
in  pain,  and  the  next  day  be  engaged  as  usual  in  some 
active  employment.  By  degrees  he  found  his  health 
sinking,  and  for  eighteen  months  before  his  death,  sel- 
dom was  entirely  well. 

In  the  following  extract  of  a  letter  to  elder  A.  M. 
Poindexter,  he  refers  to  the  state  of  his  health  in  the 
beginning  of  1835.  "From  the  Halifax  camp-meeting 
I  proceeded  to  Caswell  court-house,  where  I  preached. 
I  spent  the  following  Sabbath  in  Raleigh ;  preached 
Monday  night  following,  at  the  Wake  Forest  Institute, 
and  proceeded  on  to  Bertie  County,  to  be  at  the  meeting 
of  the  North  Carolina  Baptist  Convention.  I  was  ex- 
ceedingly glad  to  find  our  dear  brother  Carter,  not  only 
still  among  the  living,  but  able  to  be  about.  On  the 
Sabbath,  I  preached  to  a  large  assembly.  7  have  not 
been  able  to  preach  since,  except  once.  Six  precious 
Sabbaths  have  passed  in  succession,  without  my  being 
able  to  preach.  Some  part  of  the  time,  I  have  not  been 
well  enough  even  to  lead  in  family  worship. 

"Two  days  after  leaving  Bertie,  an  attack  commenced 
upon  me,  with  strong  symptoms  of  bilious  fever.  I  did 
not  lie  by,  but  kept  along,  though  in  much  pain  and  ill- 
ness a  part  of  the  way,  till  I  reached  brother  McAllister 's, 
just  by  Fayetteville,  on  Friday  night,  where  I  remained 
till  the  Monday  following,  when  I  thought  myself  pretty 
fully  recovered,  and  began  to  move.  I  had  an  appoint- 
ment to  preach  in  Darlington  District,  South  Carolina, 
the  Sabbath  following,  which  I  was  just  able  to  reach 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RTCE  205 

and  to  fulfil.  Middle  of  that  week,  another  attack  com- 
menced, very  similar  at  first  to  the  one  I  have  just  ad- 
verted to,  but  much  more  severe. 

' '  I  have  not  seen  a  well  day  since.  Still  I  kept  along ; 
resting  only  on  the  Sabbaths,  though  for  a  considerable 
part  of  the  time  in  very  great  pain — -pain  in  my  back, 
by  reason  of  fever  and  illness.  I  passed  here  the  13th 
ult.  and  received  your  letter,  with  several  others;  then 
getting  a  little  better  day  after  day,  slowly,  and  went 
on  to  the  state  convention  at  Barnwell,  S.  C.  Attended 
some  business  in  the  range,  and  returned  here,  Monday 
the  22nd  ult.  not  quite  so  well,  by  reason  of  a  recent 
cold.  After  supper,  commenced  writing  a  letter;  was 
attacked  with  severe  pain  in  the  region  of  the  liver — 
compelled  to  desist — to  take  bed — to  call  for  a  physician, 
blister,  and  take  a  dose  of  forty  grains  of  calomel,  and 
keep  my  bed  all  the  rest  of  the  week,  I  am  now  up ;  be- 
gin to  feel  tolerably  well ;  am  able  to  write,  and  hope  by 
to-morrow,  to  begin  to  go  out.  Thanks  to  the  Lord  for 
his  preserving  and  restoring  mercy!  I  regard  it  with 
thankfulness,  as  a  particular  favor  in  Providence,  that 
I  was  able  just  to  reach  this  place  before  being  abso- 
lutely compelled  to  seek  medical  aid;  and  another  par- 
ticular providential  favor,  that  the  confinement  within 
doors,  happened  at  a  period  when  for  more  than  one 
week  of  the  time,  the  weather  has  been  so  coarse,  I  could 
have  gone  out  but  little  if  I  had  been  well. 

'*I  have  been  writing  letters  for  two  days  past,  that 
should  have  been  written  weeks  sooner,  had  it  been  in 
my  power.     This  is  the  first  I  have  written  this  year." 


CHAPTER  XII 

Manifest  Improvement  in  Spirituality  of  Mind — Hdhit 
of  Jesting  Amended — Interesting  Letters — Quota- 
tion from  Diary — Devotion  to  God  Increases — Ill- 
ness— Death — Interesting  Particulars  of  His  Last 
Hours,  in  a  Letter  from  Rev.  James  E.  Welch — 
Sensations  Produced  hy  His  Death  in  the  United 
States — Funeral  Discourses — Testimonials  of  Es- 
teem— Monument  Furnished'  hy  South  Carolina  Con- 
vention— Inscription. 

It  is  gratifying  to  refer  to  the  increasing  spirituality 
of  mind,  which  was  manifest  for  many  months  previous 
to  his  dismissal  from  the  world.  This  was  observed  by 
all  his  friends.  The  Lord  seemed  to  be  preparing  him 
for  the  holy  employments  of  heaven,  by  the  bestowment 
of  an  unusual  measure  of  the  spirit's  influence.  A 
deeper  and  more  humbling  sense  of  the  divine  purity, 
and  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin,  took  possession  of 
his  soul,  while  he  panted  for  entire  conformity  to  the 
Redeemer's  image.  In  a  letter  written  in  January,  1835, 
he  adverts  to  a  habit  of  foolish  jesting  to  which  he  had 
yielded,  and  the  retrospect  of  which,  was  the  occasion 
of  unaffected  grief.  This  indulgence,  so  baneful  to  peace 
and  usefulness,  has  been  too  much  allowed  by  the  pro- 
fessed followers  of  Christ,  and  even  by  those  who  preach 
the  gospel.  To  be  cheerful  and  happy  is  their  privilege, 
but  to  indulge  in  levity,  is  utterly  beneath  the  true 
dignity  of  their  character.  In  the  extract  which  will 
here  be  inserted,  the  reader  will  learn  the  feeling  with 
which  Mr.  Rice  contemplated  his  own  conduct  in  this 

[206] 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  207 

respect,  and  the  determination  he  formed  to  abandon 
it.     He  thus  writes  to  a  beloved  Christian  friend: 

"Augusta,  Ga.,  January  1,  1835. 

"Very  Dear  Brother: — I  wish  us  both  a  happy  new 
year!  Indeed,  I  do  hope  this  year  may  be  much  hap- 
pier than  any  preceding  one  has  ever  been  in  holy  liv- 
ing, heavenly-mindedness  and  usefulness. 

"Your  excellent  letter  of  the  13th  of  November,  I 
found  here  the  13th  of  December,  and  should  have  an- 
swered it  sooner  had  it  been  in  my  power.  You  cannot 
have  possessed  a  more  anxious  desire  for  communica- 
tion with  me,  since  we  were  last  together,  and  nothing 
could  have  been  more  truly  acceptable  or  welcome  than 
your  kind  letter. 

"A  circumstance  has  occurred  which  will,  I  trust, 
prove  beneficial  and  effectual  in  correcting  the  habit  of 
lightness,  pleasantries,  foolish  talking  and  jesting,  in 
which  I  have  so  long  and  so  shamefully  indulged.  I 
was  somewhat  sensible  of  my  infirmity  in  this  particular, 
but  by  no  means  duly  awake  to  the  real  criminality  and 
folly  of  the  habit  that  had  become  so  deeply  rooted! 
I  often  thought  of  reforming,  and  occasionally  made 
inefficient  and  ineffectual  attempts  to  do  so.  The  kind 
and  discreet  suggestions  of  a  dear  friend,  brought  my 
mind,  I  trust,  to  look  at  the  matter  in  its  true  light ;  and 
I  formed  the  same  day,  the  solemn  resolution  to  cor- 
rect the  habit  thoroughly,  and  to  abandon  it  absolutely 
and  forever!  That  no  more  frivolous  and  improper 
pleasantries — that  no  more  foolish  talking  arid  jesting 
should  ever  be  permitted  to  pass  my  lips.  I  believe  I 
have  pretty  well  kept  my  purpose,  and  now  solemnly 
renew  it  as  I  write  this. 


208  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"These  are  the  circumstances,  and  such  the  cause,  I 
doubt  not,  that  gave  a  beneficial  turn  to  my  deportment 
at  the  camp-meeting,  and  I  trust  ever  since.  I  stated 
the  matter  pretty  fully  to  brother  H.  at  the  camp- 
meeting,  and  likely  enough,  he  has  repeated  it  all  in 
substance  to  you." 

Three  or  four  extracts  from  other  letters,  evincing  the 
growing  anxiety  he  felt  to  honor  Christ,  will  be  here 
inserted.  To  Mr.  Judson,  he  says :  "I  have  been  lately 
meditating  more  and  more  on  keeping  the  heart  with  all 
diligence.  I  am,  I  trust,  more  and  more  impressed, 
sweetly  too,  with  the  idea  of  living  for  heaven.  O !  that 
day  by  day,  I  could  bring  more  and  more  of  heavenli- 
ness  into  my  heart  and  life.  Certain  it  is,  this  is  the 
only  way  to  have  true  peace  and  real  satisfaction,  while 
passing  through  this  evil  world — this  vale  of  tears.  But 
in  the  possession  of  this  holy,  humble,  heavenly  state  of 
mind,  there  is  something  exceedingly  desirable,  and  well 
worth  living  for.  0  that  my  soul  may  ever  be  athirst 
for  God,  for  the  living  God.  Brother  Taylor,  of  Rich- 
mond, will  forward  the  file  of  the  Religious  Herald. 

'  *  And  now,  my  ever  dear  brother,  may  the  living  God 
be  your  portion,  your  everlasting  all.  May  the  best  of 
heaven's  blessings  rest  on  you  and  your  dear,  good  wife 
— and  may  you  see,  even  before  the  termination  of  the 
few  years  of  your  labours  yet  on  earth,  Burmah  far  more 
advanced  in  religious  knowledge  and  in  righteousness, 
than  your  beloved  and  highly  favored  native  country  is 
at  the  present  period !  My  best  regards  to  sister  Judson. 
' '  Ever  most  affectionately  yours, 

"Luther  Rice." 


AfEMOIR  OF  REV.  LTTTHER  RICE  209 

In  the  close  of  a  communication  to  elder  A.  M.  Poin- 
dexter,  he  observes:  ''My  soul  has  been  more  than  is 
usual  for  me,  alive  in  religion — in  praj^er,  and  in  re- 
ligious conversation.  I  have  been  sadly  negligent  in 
religious  conversation,  both  as  regards  saints  and  sin- 
ners in  years  past.  0 !  to  be  o  good  minister  of  Jesus 
Christ!  to  have  the  speech  always  with  grace,  seasoned 
with  salt!  to  watch  for  souls  as  one  that  must  give  ac- 
count! All  this  is  no  light  thing!  no  small  attainment! 
Would  to  heaven  that  myself  and  all  ministers  were  such ! 
AVhat  a  difference  would  soon  appear  in  the  churches 
and  in  the  world  at  large ! 

"Pray  for  me.  I  do  endeavor  to  pray  for  you.  Pray 
for  the  Columbian  College ;  and  the  Baptist  cause  in 
Washington."  To  a  friend  in  Washington,  he  thus 
writes :  "I  am  more  and  more  sensible,  I  trust,  of  the 
importance  of  making  progress  in  personal  heart  reli- 
gion, and  of  striving  earnestly  to  gain  higher  attain- 
ments in  holiness.  This  is  essential  both  to  usefulness 
and  comfort.  I  am  more  and  more  sensible,  I  trust, 
what  a  poor,  guilty,  sinful  life  mine  has  been.  Some 
amendment,  1  do  hope,  has  been,  by  the  grace  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  accomplished  within  fifteen  months  past; 
particularly  within  the  last  four  months.  That  inces- 
sant and  injurious  levity,  foolish  talking  and  jesting,  in 
which  I  so  long  and  so  criminally  indulged,  has  been,  I 
hope,  by  the  special  mercy  of  the  Lord,  somewhat  ef- 
fectually done  away.  I  have  enjoyed  of  late,  more  a 
spirit  of  prayer,  and  been  more  attentive  to  religious 
conversation  as  I  met  with  persons,  and  in  families,  than 
formerly.  I  make  it  a  point  to  pray  for  the  families 
where  I  tarry  over  night,  or  call  during  the  day,  and  for 
the  individuals  I  meet  as  I  pass  along. 


210  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"I  have  adopted  it  as  a  rule,  to  observe,  as  generally 
as  circumstances  will  permit,  seasons  of  prayer  seven 
times  a  day.  At  midnight  and  at  daybreak,  private; 
before  breakfast,  with  the  family ;  at  twelve  o  'clock,  and 
at  evening  twilight,  private ;  after  supper,  with  the 
family;  just  before  going  to  bed,  private.  Also  observe 
the  first  and  third  Mondays  in  each  month  as  days  of 
fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer;  the  second  and  fourth, 
as  days  of  thanksgiving  and  praise.  The  monthly  con- 
cert of  prayer  for  missions,  the  evening  of  the  first  Mon- 
day in  every  month;  the  concert  of  prayer  for  Sabbath 
schools,  the  evening  of  the  second  Monday  in  every 
month;  and  I  have  concluded  to  appropriate  a  season 
in  the  evening  of  the  third  Monday  in  every  month,  for 
special  prayer  for  the  Columbian  College,  and  for  a  re- 
vival of  religion  in  Washington  especially,  and  in  the 
other  cities  in  the  District,  and  in  the  country  round- 
about. ' ' 

In  another  letter  he  thus  describes  his  feelings: 
''Faint,  yet  pursuing,  I  am  striving,  though  but  too 
feebly,  to  gain  a  constantly  realizing  apprehension  of 
the  divine  presence  and  glory.  To  glorify  God  and  en- 
joy him,  is  verily  the  chief  good.  I  thank  you  for  the 
strain  in  which  you  have  written.  It  is  of  use  for  the 
servants  of  the  Lord  to  suggest  thoughts  and  views  of 
this  nature  to  one  another.  0,  for  more  holiness !  for 
more  real  heart  religion !  for  entire,  absolute  devoted- 
ness  to  the  cause  and  glory  of  the  blessed  Redeemer ! ' ' 

Connected  with  these  extracts  will  be  introduced  a 
few  quotations  from  his  diary,  beginning  with  the  1st 
of  January,  1836.  They  give  pleasing  evidence  of  the 
spiritual-mindedness  for  which  he  became  more  and  more 
remarkable. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  211 

"1836,  January  1st. — My  plan  is  to  read  the  Bible 
through,  systematically,  once  a  year:  five  chapters  a 
Sabbath,  and  three  each  day  in  the  week  besides,  goes 
through  the  Bible  in  a  year.  My  seasons  of  prayer  are 
seven  in  the  twenty-four  hours:  at  day-break,  mid-day, 
evening  twilight,  bed-time,  between  bed-time  and  day- 
break, private;  before  breakfast  and  after  supper,  in  the 
family.  Make  it  a  point  to  pray  for  every  family,  where 
I  tarry  a  night,  or  call  in  the  day ;  for  every  person,  indi- 
vidually, who  makes  a  donation  for  any  object  for  which 
I  receive  funds;  for  every  one  I  converse  with  in  the 
day;  for  every  person  I  see  during  the  day;  all  as  par- 
ticularly as  practicable.  I  think  this  course  tends  to 
keep  alive  religion  in  the  soul :  to  prevent  lightness  and 
other  improprieties ;  to  secure  success  to  my  efforts. 

"The  Lord,  in  his  mercy,  has  brought  me  to  the  be- 
ginning of  another  year.  I  think  I  have  made  some 
little  progress  in  religion  the  past  year,  but  far  less 
than  1  ought.  God  grant  I  may  do  better,  should  life 
be  preserved  through  this  year  also.  I  think  it  right  to 
plan,  act,  and  labour,  as  if  I  might  have  thirty  years  for 
service  yet  before  me ;  for  even  in  that  period,  I  should 
not  have  reached  the  age  of  my  ancestors :  but  also  so 
to  live,  plan,  act,  and  labour,  as  though  I  might  die  soon, 
any  day  or  hour. 

''26th. — Visited  my  old  friend  and  brother,  elder  E. 
B.  Glad  to  find  him  so  much  in  the  spirit  of  religion. 
Lament  my  want  of  spirituality. 

"February  11th. — Called  on  brother  L.  What  a  pity 
it  is  that  a  minister  of  the  gospel  should  be  extensively 
engaged  in  worldly  business! 

"28th. — Too  unwell  to  attend  meeting ;  did  not  preach ! 


212  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

Had  but  little  religious  enjoyment :  an  interesting  con- 
versation with  brother  D. 

"29th. — Better  in  health,  but  low  in  religion!  Re- 
store unto  me,  I  beseech  thee,  O  Lord,  the  joy  of  thy 
salvation,  and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  spirit ! 

"March  25th. — This  day  brings  me  to  be  fifty-three 
years  old.  How  thankful  should  I  be  for  all  the  mercies 
of  the  past!  how  humbled  for  my  sins!  O,  for  grace, 
that  having  entered  on  another  year,  I  may  renewedly 
devote  all  my  time  and  powers  to  the  service  and  glory 
of  Christ. 

"April  9th. — Much  as  usual.  0,  for  more  life,  light, 
comfort,  and  action,  in  religion.  The  kindness  of  my 
friends  calls  for  gratitude  and  praise  to  God. 

"28th. — Much  as  usual  this  day  in  religion.  When 
shall  I  see  the  light  of  divine  things  more  clearly,  and 
feel  their  power  more  effectually  ? 

"May  23rd. — Sister  T.  where  I  stayed  last  night, 
is  sick  and  low,  but  is,  I  trust,  one  of  the  ransomed  of 
the  Lord !  and  0,  how  much  better  than  health,  or  any 
earthly  good,  is  true  religion ! 

"27th. — The  kindness  of  friends,  in  supplying  me  with 
clothing,  awakens  grateful  emotions  in  my  bosom.  Stayed 
with  brother  G.  last  night.  The  closeness  of  this  brother, 
as  to  giving  any  thing  to  promote  religious  objects — 
old,  wealthy,  and  saved,  as  he  is — gives  me  pain.  Am 
truly  glad  that  the  Baptist  brethren  at  New  York  have 
formed  the  'American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society,'  to 
promote  Baptist  translations  of  the  blessed  Bible.  Have 
resolved  to  raise  thirty  dollars  for  it,  and  become  a  life 
member. 

"June  14th. — More  ill  to-day  than  yesterday;  and 
have  especiallj^  to  lament  the  low  state  of  religion  in 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  213 

my  soul !    Some  comfort  with  brother  R.  and  brother  C. 

"15th. — Somewhat  better;  hope  soon  to  be  quite  well. 
0,  for  spiritual  health !  Much  kindness  manifested  by 
my  "friends  in  Richmond.  0,  for  a  heart  full  of  grati- 
tude and  love! 

"16th. — Eight  days  ago  received  a  letter  from  brother 
Judson,  Burmah,  and  one  from  brother  Kincaid,  Ava. 
How  unworthy  am  I  of  such  tokens  of  regard,  from 
such  of  the  servants  of  the  Lord.  It  appears,  by  the 
letter  of  brother  Kincaid,  that  my  preaching  was  made 
instrumental  in  his  becoming  a  missionary  to  Burmah. 
Instead  of  sending  me  back,  a  better  one  was  sent.  These 
letters  awakened  powerful  emotions  in  my  bosom.  I 
could  not,  for  some  time,  refrain  from  weeping.  0  !  that 
I  were  better ! 

"20th. — Spent  most  of  the  day  at  brother  C's. ;  brother 
J.  there,  too.     Profitable  conversation. 

"27th. — A  peaceful  day;  calm,  but  not  filed  with  holy 
delight,  as  I  earnestly  desire  to  be.  Agreed  with  brother 
B.  to  observe  a  season  in  the  evening  of  the  fourth  Mon- 
day in  every  month,  in  special  prayer  for  colleges:  be- 
gan it  last  night.  Sorry  there  is  not  more  religion, 
particularly  among  the  Baptists  in  Washington.  0 !  for 
a  powerful  revival  in  this  place. 

"July  12th. — Some  sweet  savour  of  divine  things. 
Interesting  conversation  touching  the  scripture  import 
of  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Church,  &c.  with  brother 
B.  and  A.  Attended  prayer  meeting;  some  little  life 
and  comfort.  Tarried  with  brother  A.  Ought  to  have 
had  more  serious,  affectionate,  spiritual  conversation. 

"20th. — A  pleasant  day.  Called  on  several  interest- 
ing friends,  brethren  and  sisters.  0,  that  I  could  be 
more  profitable  to  them!     Conversed  with  brother  B. 


214  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

who  I  fear  is  in  error.  Would  I  had  more  meekness,  and 
meekness  of  wisdom,  in  conversing  with  such. 

"25th. — Private  fast  day  and  prayer.  Some  earnest- 
ness for  myself  and  for  the  Columbian  College.  Brother 
B.  and  brother  L.,  with  family  join  with  me  in  the  con- 
cert for  the  college. 

"August  11th. — Finished  my  letter  to  brother  R. 
Brother  N.  agrees,  as  did  brother  E.  W.  R.,  to  unite 
in  the  concert  of  prayer  for  seminaries  of  learning. 

"13th. — Greeted  with  a  hearty  welcome  at  the  camp- 
meeting  at  the  Cross  Roads,  this  evening.  Some  twenty 
or  thirty,  or  more,  came  as  by  one  impulse  to  the  margin 
of  the  camj)  ground,  to  salute  me. 

"14th. — Preached  at  Cross  Roads  camp-meeting; 
Acts  vi.  7 — 'And  the  word  of  God  increased;  and  the 
number  of  the  disciples  multiplied  in  Jerusalem  great- 
ly; and  a  great  company  of  the  priests  were  obedient 
to  the  faith.' 

"22nd. — Private  fasting  and  prayer;  some  measure 
of  engagedness.  Concert  of  prayer  for  seminaries  of 
learning,  rulers,  and  capitals.  Joined  with  brother  M. 
and  family  in  this  concert. 

"28th. — Preached  at  Elam,  Darlington  District,  S.  C, 
from  Acts  viii.  35 — 'Then  Philip  opened  his  mouth,  and 
began  at  the  same  scripture,  and  preached  unto  him 
Jesus.'    Solemn  season. 

"29th. — Private  thanksgiving.  0  !  that  my  poor  heart 
could  be  truly  alive  in  this  kind  exercise,  and  that  I 
could  praise  the  Lord  with  joyful  lips,  as  I  ought." 

The  sentence  just  quoted  was  the  last  he  wrote  in  his 
journal,  being  a  little  less  than  four  weeks  before  his 
death.  It  expresses  a  sentiment  which  for  many  months 
seemed  to  have  maintained  constant  possession  of  his 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  215 

soul.  While  God  was  his  daily  delight,  he  still  panted 
for  larger  draughts  of  spiritual  influence.  Literally  did 
he  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness.  Every  indi- 
cation of  decline  in  faith,  love,  or  zeal,  was  watched  with 
most  sedulous  care,  and  beheld  with  unaffected  grief. 
Indeed,  we  may  judge  from  his  diary,  and  conversa- 
tion with  his  brethren,  that  the  only  thing  which  di- 
minished his  enjoyment,  was  the  consciousness  of  not 
iiaving  attained  a  perfect  measure  of  holiness. 

In  all  his  sermons,  also,  for  some  time  before  his  de- 
cease, an  unusual  degree  of  the  spirit  of  Christ  was 
manifest.  They  were  remarkable,  not  only  for  rich, 
evangelical  sentiment,  but  for  pathos  and  energy.  Like 
a  dying  man  he  preached,  and  each  time  as  if  he  never 
should  preach  again.  Some  of  his  discourses  at  the  June 
anniversaries  in  Virginia,  in  1836,  will  never  be  forgot- 
ten by  many  of  his  brethren.  As  upon  the  verge  of 
heaven  he  stood,  and  beckoned  his  kindred  in  Christ  to 
look  up  and  prepare  for  its  holy  delights.  Frequently 
was  it  said,  that  he  had  not  before  been  heard  with  so 
much  power  to  testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God. 

We  now  approach  the  affecting  scene  which  closed 
tlie  earthly  labours  of  this  good  man.  While  on  a  journey 
to  the  South,  he  was  arrested  in  South  Carolina  by  sick- 
ness, and  unexpectedly  to  all,  was  summoned  to  his  re- 
ward. He  does  not  himself  seem  to  have  been  aware 
of  the  dangerous  nature  of  his  disease,  until  a  short 
period  before  his  death.  Then,  with  nothing  else  to  do 
but  to  die,  he  calmly  directs  his  horse,  sulkey,  and  bag- 
gage, to  be  sent  to  Washington,  as  the  property  of  the 
Columbian  College,  and  prepares  to  take  his  flight  to 
that  blissful  world,  for  which  he  had  become  so  emi- 
nently prepared.    Some  particulars  of  the  closing  scene 


216  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

have  been  furnished  by  the  Rev.  James  E.  Welch,  and 
will  be  here  inserted.  They  are  contained  in  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meredith,  of  North  Carolina. 

"At  the  Grave  of  Luther  Rice, 
"Edgefield  District,  S.  C,  December  4,  1837. 

"My  Dear  Brother: — The  mournful  pleasure  is 
mine  of  visiting  the  grave  of  one  we  both  much  re- 
spected and  tenderly  loved.  He  was  to  me  as  David  to 
Jonathan ;  and  while  I  sit  upon  the  large,  white  marble 
slab,  procured  and  sent  here  by  the  Baptist  Convention 
of  this  state,  to  be  placed  over  his  grave,  my  reflections 
necessarily  bring  to  my  mind  many  of  the  scenes  through 
which  he  passed  while  living.  In  imagination  I  saw 
him  at  Andover,  first  suggesting  to  a  selected  few  of 
his  fellow-students  the  idea  of  a  mission  abroad  among 
the  heathen — his  departure  from  his  native  land — his 
arrival  in  Calcutta — his  baptism  with  Judson  and  wife 
— ^their  banishment  from  India — their  landing  at  the 
Isle  of  Prance — his  sailing  for  South  America,  and 
landing  in  the  United  States — his  'flying  through'  every 
part  of  the  country  like  an  angel,  preaching  the  gospel 
and  waking  up  the  sleeping  energies  of  the  Baptists — 
his  prime  agency  in  the  formation  of  the  Baptist  Gen- 
eral Convention,  &c.  &c. ;  I  could  but  exclaim,  being 
alone :  '  After  all  thy  toils  and  wanderings  and  sor- 
rows, my  brother,  among  these  long-leafed  pines,  thou 
hast  found  a  resting-place,  where  thou  shalt  quietly 
sleep,  undisturbed,  until  the  morning  of  the  resurrec- 
tion. ' 

*  *  I  was  also  forcibly  reminded  of  some  of  my  last  inter- 
views with  him  in  Virginia.    After  being  repeatedly  in 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  217 

his  company,  we  attended  toc?ether  the  meeting  of  an 
association  in  the  lower  part  of  Halifax  County,  in 
August,  1835.  After  the  close  of  the  meeting,  we  called 
at  a  neighboring  house  for  half  an  hour.  No  sooner  were 
we  all  quietly  seated  than  he  commenced  singing  alone, 
with  great  fervor,  the  comforting  hymn  called  the  'Star 
of  Bethlehem ; '  and  after  closing,  he  said :  '  Let  us  pray ; ' 
nor  shall  I  soon  forget  the  unction  with  which  he  seemed 
to  plead  with  God  'as  o'er  the  mercy-seat.'  I  after- 
wards said  to  a  brother,  '  I  do  not  believe  brother  Rice  is 
long  for  this  world,' — when  with  surprise,  he  asked 
'why  I  thought  so?'  seeing  his  uncommon  good  health; 
to  which  I  replied,  'I  never  have  seen  such  an  altera- 
tion in  any  man  in  my  life ;  he  is  so  devoted,  devotional, 
and  heavenly-minded,  that  I  think  he  is  ripening  for 
heaven,  and  God  will  take  him  to  himself.' 

"At  Dr.  R.  G.  Mays,  December  5,  1837. 

"I  am  now  sitting  in  the  very  room  where  our  dear 
brother  Rice  breathed  his  last;  and  how  forcibly  the 
words  of  the  poet  came  home  to  my  feelings : 
'The  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate 
Is  privileged  above  the  common  walks  of  virtuous  life, 
Quite  on  the  verge  of  heaven.' 

"Being  desirous  of  knowing  myself,  more  particular- 
ly, all  the  circumstances  connected  with  his  sickness  and 
death,  I  came  here  to  make  inquiry;  and  believing  you 
and  many  others  feel  also  a  deep  interest,  I  communi- 
cate such  information  as  the  physician  who  attended 
him,  and  sister  ]\Iays,  both  of  whom  are  now  present, 
could  recollect.  Dr.  Mays  himself  is  absent  on  a  visit  to 
Charleston. 


218  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"Brother  Rice  was  unwell  the  night  he  reached  Co- 
lumbia, S.  C,  but  hoping  he  should  get  better,  he  took 
some  palliating  medicine,  and  continued  his  journey. 
But  on  Friday  night,  September  1st,  he  was  quite  ill. 
and  fearing  he  should  not  be  able  to  reach  Augusta,  Ga., 
he  changed  his  course,  and  came  up  to  brother  Cole- 
man's on  Saturday,  and  sent  for  Dr.  J.  C.  Ready,  a 
Baptist  minister,  and  a  physician,  about  noon,  who  gave 
him  medicine.  On  visiting  him  again  on  Sabbath  morn- 
ing, he  gave  him  more  powerful  medicine,  and  bled  him 
freely.  After  the  bleeding,  he  fainted,  not  so  much 
from  the  quantity  of  blood  taken,  as  from  a  nervous 
dread  he  always  had  of  the  lancet.  Doctor  Mays  met  him 
on  Saturday,  and  invited  him  to  his  house ;  and  on  Sab- 
bath morning,  while  sister  Mays  called  to  see  him,  he 
received  the  invitation,  and  in  the  afternoon  he  rode  the 
two  miles  alone,  in  his  sulkey,  without  much  apparent 
fatigue.  Frequent  cupping  seemed  to  mitigate  the  se- 
vere pain  in  his  side,  which  a  subsequent  blister  entirely 
removed.  He  remarked  Sabbath  morning,  that  'it  was 
a  matter  of  entire  indifference  to  him  where  he  should 
die,  whenever  the  Lord  chose  to  call  him,  he  was  ready 
to  go.'  His  thirst  was  constant  and  not  easily  satisfied, 
and  although  his  appetite  remained  pretty  good,  he  fre- 
quently remarked,  that  'his  taste  was  unnatural.' 

"During  the  first  week  of  his  sickness,  he  gave  a  de- 
tailed account  of  the  secret  missionary  society,  formed 
by  Judson,  Mills,  himself,  and  others,  at  Andover — that 
they  would  devote  themselves  personally  to  the  work  of 
carrying  the  gospel  to  the  heathen  in  foreign  lands;  to- 
gether with  a  history  of  the  missionary  toils,  &c.  with 
all  that  clearness  and  energy  for  which  his  mind  was 
distinguished.     He  seemed  also  to  rejoice  that  the  Lord 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  219 

had  raised  up  such  a  man  as  Kincaid  to  take  his  place 
in  the  mission  field — a  man,  said  he,  'so  much  better 
qualified  than  myself  for  the  missionary  work.'  Dur- 
ing the  whole  of  his  sickness,  says  sister  Mays,  'she 
never  heard  even  a  groan' — that  'he  bore  his  suffering 
with  more  lamb -like  submission  than  she  ever  saw.' 
Every  evening  during  his  sickness  he  insisted  that  Doctor 
Mays  should  have  family  worship  in  his  room;  and 
whether  the  doctor  or  others  prayed,  he  usually  asked 
that  they  would  pray  '  if  it  be  the  will  of  God  he  might 
recover.'  This  request  was  always  made  with  evident 
and  calm  submission  to  the  will  of  God.  He  frequently 
asked  those  present  to  sing  for  him  the  encouraging 
hymn,  beginning, 

'  When  I  can  read  my  title  clear 
To  mansions  in  the  skies,' 

With  others  of  a  similar  import.  On  the  Sabbath  morn- 
ing before  he  died,  the  last  he  ever  spent  on  earth,  he 
asked  them  to  sing  the  hymn,  beginning, 

'Another  six  days'  work  is  done. 
Another  Sabbath  is  begun.' 

When  asked  what  the  state  of  his  mind  was,  he  re- 
plied, 'I  have  a  sweet  and  abiding  hope  in  the  mercy  of 
God,  but  not  that  animating  view  of  the  Lord  Jesus  I 
desire  to  have.'  During  the  whole  of  his  confinement 
to  his  room,  he  rose  early  every  morning — shaved  him- 
self and  read  his  Bible — until  the  last  three  or  four 
days  before  he  died.  Doctor  Ready  says,  that  his  state 
of  mind  through  his  whole  sickness  seemed  to  be  'a  firm 


220  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

faith,  calm  reliance  on  the  promises  of  his  Saviour, '  *  per- 
fect resignation  to  the  will  of  God, '  *  without  the  fear  of 
death,'  'willing  to  go  whenever  called,  but  desirous  to 
remain  only  to  accomplish  some  benevolent  objects  he 
had  in  view. ' 

"On  Thursday,  September  23,  at  3  o'clock,  p.m.  he 
had  a  chill,  followed  by  fainting,  which  lasted  ten  min- 
utes, and  of  all  that  passed  he  seemed  afterwards  en- 
tirely unconscious ;  but  perceiving  that  some  change  had 
taken  place  in  his  clothing  and  bed,  he  asked  'what 
had  happened  to  him?'  and  on  being  told,  remained 
silent  for  some  minutes,  and  then  asked  the  doctor  if  he 
'thought  him  dangerous?'  The  doctor  replied  that  there 
were  'some  symptoms  in  his  case  which  he  could  not 
account  for,  and  inquired  whether  he  had  any  request 
to  make  in  relation  to  his  affairs;'  when  he  replied, 
'Send  my  sulkey,  and  horse,  and  baggage,  to  brother 
Brooks,  with  directions  to  send  them  to  brother  Sher- 
wood, and  say  that  they  all  belong  to  the  college.'  Just 
twenty-four  hours  after,  i.  e.  on  Friday,  at  3  o'clock,  he 
had  another  similar  paroxysm. 

"Early  on  Saturday  night,  he  requested  and  gave 
special  directions,  that  a  messenger  should  be  sent  for 
brother  Todd  (a  Baptist  minister,  living  near  Cambridge, 
fifteen  miles  off),  so  that  he  might  arrive  by  9  o'clock, 
on  Sabbath  morning.  This  induced  the  physician  and 
others  in  attendance  to  think  that  he  expected  another 
paroxysm  of  fainting  at  3  o'clock  on  Sunday,  which 
he  should  not  survive ;  and  in  all  probability  he  wished 
to  give  some  directions  to  brother  Todd  respecting  the 
affairs  of  the  college ;  but  instead  of  the  twenty-four 
hours  as  before,  it  returned  in  just  half  the  time,  and 
while  lying  calmly  asleep  on  his  right  side,  he  expired, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RTCE  221 

without  any  motion  or  agitation  whatever.'  Doctors 
Mays  and  Ready  were  in  attendance  the  night  he  died. 
About  half  an  hour  before  he  expired,  he  asked  the  doc- 
tor what  he  thought  of  his  case — said  he  felt  pretty  well, 
and  upon  the  whole  thought  his  symptoms  more  favor- 
able. He  then  fell  into  a  sweet  sleep,  and  one  of  them 
felt  his  pulse,  which  was  regular  and  soft  (he  still 
asleep),  not  more  than  a  minute  before,  and  on  taking 
his  chair,  he  immediately  heard  him  breathe  quicker  and 
fuller,  and  returning  quickly  again  to  his  side,  found 
he  breathed  no  more,  and  thinks  he  'died  without  ever 
waking' — 'that  he  did  not  feel  death  as  other  men  gen- 
erally do.' 

' '  The  doctor  thinks  the  sudden  issue  was  owing  to  the 
rupture  of  a  large  abscess  in  the  liver.  He  was  buried  on 
Sabbath  morning,  at  10  o'clock,  by  the  road-side,  and 
near  the  Pine  Pleasant  Baptist  Church,  which  is  five 
miles  south  of  the  Saluda  River,  and  twelve  miles  below 
the  Abbeville  line. 

"As  ever,  yours  sincerely, 

"James  E.  Welch." 

As  the  tidings  of  this  mournful  event  spread  over  the 
United  States,  there  was  awakened  in  the  bosoms  of 
many,  the  most  unaffected  sorrow ;  and  all  acknowledged 
that  a  great  man  had  fallen  in  Israel.  In  the  southern 
states  he  was  tenderly  loved,  and  wherever  he  was  known, 
his  talents  had  commanded  respect  and  veneration. 
Among  his  brethren  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  was  the 
emotion  created  by  his  death,  especially  felt.  This,  next 
to  College  Hill,  had  been  considered  his  principal  home. 
When    his    death    was    announced,    a    meeting    of    the 


222  I\IEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

churches  was  called,  and  among  other  resolutions  expres- 
sive of  warm  Christian  regard,  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter  was 
appointed  to  preach  a  discourse  commemorative  of  this 
event.  In  accordance  with  this  request,  a  crowded  as- 
sembly, in  the  meeting-house  of  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
was  addressed  from  Matthew  xix:  29.  "And  every  one 
that  hath  forsaken  houses,  or  brethren,  or  sisters,  or 
father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or  lands,  for  my 
name's  sake,  shall  receive  a  hundred  fold,  and  shall  in- 
herit everlasting  life." 

At  the  Columbian  College  a  meeting  of  the  faculty 
was  called,  when  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted : 

"Resolved,  That  we  deeply  feel  and  lament  the  death 
of  so  eminent  a  laborer  in  the  cause  .of  learning  and  re- 
ligion. 

"Resolved,  That  this  institution  has  lost  in  the  de- 
ceased, its  most  distinguished  founder,  and  a  friend  who 
devoted  to  its  interests,  the  fruit  of  years  of  unexampled 
labours. 

"Resolved,  That  we  will  unite  with  the  board  of  trus- 
tees, in  expressing,  by  appropriate  public  exercises,  our 
sense  of  his  great  worth  and  eminent  services,  and  in 
taking  measures  to  erect  a  suitable  monument  over  his 
remains. 

"Resolved,  That  institutions  of  learning  are  a  power- 
ful means  of  upholding  truth,  and  advancing  human 
improvement ;  that  designed,  as  they  are,  to  stand  for 
centuries,  they  should  not  be  deserted  because  shaken 
by  the  vicissitudes  of  a  day;  that  the  object  for  which 
this  institution  was  founded,  remains,  in  our  estimation, 
in  undiminished  importance ;  that  looking  at  what  it  has 
accomplished  in  the  work  of  education,  and  to  what, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  223 

under  the  blessing  of  God,  it  can  accomplish,  its  friends 
will  find  motives  of  a  high  character,  for  placing  it  on 
a  broad  and  firm  foundation. 

"Wm.  Ruggles, 
'^ Secretary  of  the  Faculty." 

By  the  appointment  of  the  Board,  the  president  of  the 
college.  Rev.  Stephen  Chapin,  D.D.,  preached  a  funeral 
sermon  from  2  Samuel  7:9.  "I  have  made  thee  a  great 
name,  like  unto  the  name  of  the  great  men  that  are 
upon  the  earth."  This  discourse  was  afterwards  pub- 
lished. The  following  extracts  will  not  be  unwelcome 
to  the  reader: 

"There  was  something  extraordinary  in  his  life — 
extraordinary  in  reference  to  the  day  in  which  he  lived, 
and  to  the  objects  which  he  aimed  to  accomplish.  His 
spirit,  his  views,  his  aims  were  all  different  from  those 
of  the  Christian  world  around  him.  For  a  while  he 
stood  alone,  having  no  kindred  spirit  to  enter  into  his 
feelings  and  plans.  Had  he  lived  in  the  days  of  the 
apostles,  when  the  whole  primitive  church  was  a  mis- 
sionary society,  burning  with  zeal  to  obey  the  fresh  and 
the  ascending  injunction  of  her  Saviour  in  sending  out 
her  heralds  to  publish  the  gospel  to  all  the  surrounding 
nations,  it  would  have  been  strange  had  he  not  caught 
the  missionary  spirit,  and  joined  with  them  in  their 
labours.  But  we  must  remember,  that  at  the  time  he 
came  into  public  life,  the  American  churches  were  pro- 
foundly slumbering  over  this  command.  Then  no  mis- 
sionary had  left  this  country  for  distant  shores,  and  no 
foreign  missions  were  thought  of.  How  different  that 
period  from  the  present.  Now  the  missionary  spirit 
is  burning  with  a  bright  and  spreading  flame,  and  mis- 


224  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

sionary  stations  quite  encircle  the  globe.  How  wonder- 
ful then,  that  Mr.  Rice  and  a  few  other  young  men, 
should  at  such  a  time,  conceive  a  foreign  mission;  con- 
secrate themselves  to  its  service,  and  then,  in  modesty, 
but  fixedness  of  purpose,  submit  their  views  and  their 
wishes  to  their  fathers  in  the  ministry.  Indeed,  there 
was  something  so  remarkable  in  all  this,  that  we  cannot 
account  for  it,  without  admitting  the  special  interposi- 
tion of  Providence.  Yes,  the  time  had  come  when  our 
churches  were  to  be  roused  up  on  this  subject,  and  these 
5'oung  men  were  divinely  moved  to  do  it. 

'  *  His  life  was  also  elevated.  It  was  not  devoted  to  the 
pursuits  of  gain,  or  ambition,  or  pleasure.  Nor  did  he 
intend  to  spend  it  in  the  discharge  of  the  ordinary  duties 
of  religion.  He  early  resolved  that  his  influence  should 
be  felt  in  foreign  lands,  and  in  future  ages.  His  views 
were  enlarged,  his  benevolence  expansive,  his  aims  were 
high,  and  his  object  noble.  His  capacious  mind  and 
heart  embraced  the  whole  human  family;  and  it  was 
liis  purpose  to  aid  in  giving  the  gospel  in  its  written 
and  preached  forms  to  the  Gentile  nations;  and  thus  to 
spend  his  days  in  those  labours  best  fitted  to  bring  on 
the  millennial  rest  of  the  world." 

Among  other  testimonials  of  the  high  regard  in  which 
he  was  held  in  the  United  States,  the  fact  may  be  men- 
tioned, that  all  the  periodicals  of  the  denomination  con- 
tained editorial  and  other  allusions  to  his  character  and 
life.  Many  of  these  were  highly  commendatory.  The 
following  is  from  the  pen  of  Mr.  William  Sands,  the 
editor  of  the  Religious  Herald. 

"In  his  death  we  have  to  mourn  not  only  the  depar- 
ture of  a  zealous,  devoted  and  untiring  servant  of  God, 
but  an  intimate  and  faithful  friend.     From  its  com- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  225 

mencement  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of 
tlie  Herald,  and  exerted  himself  greatly  in  extending 
its  patronage,  when  many  of  those  from  whom  we  looked 
for  aid,  stood  aloof.  To  a  large  number  of  our  readers 
he  was  personally  known,  venerated,  and  beloved.  They 
will  with  us  sorrow  for  his  departure.  He  looked  on 
this  city,  as  in  a  measure  his  home.  He  took  a  deep 
interest  in  our  various  benevolent  institutions.  For 
many  years,  he  has  been  present  at  our  anniversaries, 
and  aided  us  by  his  counsels,  and  incited  us  to  increased 
efforts  by  his  warm  and  pungent  exhortations.  We 
looked  for  his  presence  as  that  of  an  old  and  valued 
friend.  There  were  few  churches  in  Virginia  below 
the  Blue  Ridge,  which  he  had  not  visited  in  his  repeated 
journeys  through  the  state. 

"The  cause  of  missions  in  the  Baptist  denomination 
in  this  country  owes  more  of  its  prosperity  to  the  inde- 
fatigable labours  and  unflinching  zeal  of  Luther  Rice, 
than  to  any  other  individual  now  living.  By  his  efforts, 
on  his  return  from  India,  he  roused  the  slumbering  ener- 
gies of  the  denomination  and  called  them  forth  into  ac- 
tion. He  fanned  the  missionary  flame  until  it  burst  forth 
into  a  steady  and  vigorous  blaze,  which  is  now  shedding 
a  brilliant  light  on  our  benighted  world.  Though  his 
early  labours  in  this  department  of  Christian  benevolence 
may  now  be  lightly  esteemed  by  some  from  whom  better 
things  might  be  expected — the  name  of  Luther  Rice  is 
consecrated  in  the  affections  of  thousands,  as  the  pioneer 
of  the  mission  cause  in  our  land. 

"He  was  also  an  untiring  friend  to  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation. To  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Columbian  Col- 
lege, he  has  undoubtedly  fallen  a  victim.  He  had  in- 
dulged the  anticipations  that  it  would  be  the  source  of 
the  most  beneficial  results  to  the  denomination.    In  these 


226  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

anticipations  he  was  doomed  to  be  disappointed.  Yet 
his  zeal  in  its  behalf  never  faltered,  amidst  the  greatest 
disappointments.  May  we  not  hope  that  this  institution 
will  yet  be  a  blessing,  and  reflect  lustre  on  the  memory 
of  its  devoted  founder. 

"Elder  Rice  was  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment. His  pulpit  services  were  every  where  highly  es- 
teemed, and  thousands  have  been  benefitted  by  his  min- 
istrations. We  have  heard  him  preach  with  a  power, 
energy  and  pathos,  rarely  surpassed.  On  such  occasions 
he  had  complete  mastery  over  the  feelings  of  his 
audience,  and  held  them  willing  captives.  But  he  was 
not  always  in  so  happy  a  frame,  though  on  all  occasions, 
he  was  instructing  and  interesting. 

"Brother  Rice  had  his  blemishes.  He  has  been 
charged  by  some  with  imprudence  in  the  management 
of  the  college  concerns.  We  have  no  doubt  he  erred; 
but  his  faults,  compared  with  his  many  virtues  and  de- 
votion to  the  cause  of  his  Saviour,  sink  into  comparative 
insignificance.  His  removal  is  the  greatest  loss  which 
our  denomination  could  have  sustained  in  the  death  of 
any  one  man  in  the  country.  No  one  has  been  more 
devoted  to  our  interests,  has  defended  our  denomina- 
tional views  with  more  zeal,  or  has  rendered  us  greater 
service.  Posterity  will  revere  his  memory,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  that  of  Judson,  as  a  public  benefactor,  and  in 
the  language  of  an  elegant  author,  'recorded  honors 
shall  yet  gather  thick  around  his  tomb.'  He  was  a 
burning  and  a  shining  light,  and  we  rejoiced  for  a  sea- 
son in  his  light.  As  long  as  our  denomination  has  ex- 
istence, the  memory  of  Luther  Rice  will  be  held  in  grate- 
ful remembrance." 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  227 

From  the  columns  of  the  Herald,  the  remarks  inserted 
below,  and  written  by  Rev.  William  F.  Broaddus,  are 
extracted. 

"When  I  saw  in  the  Herald  of  the  28th  ult.  a  notice 
of  the  departure  of  our  dear  brother,  Luther  Rice,  my 
heart  sunk  within  me,  and  I  began  to  say  to  myself 
(perhaps  wickedly),  better  for  the  cause  of  religion  that 
scores  of  ordinary  soldiers  of  the  cross  had  been  re- 
moved from  the  field  of  battle,  than  that  this  mighty 
man  should  have  been  taken  away.  The  Lord  forgive 
a  poor,  short-sighted  worm  for  thus  presuming,  for  a 
moment,  to  question  the  wisdom  of  his  administration, 
however  inscrutable!  But,  0,  brother  Sands,  where 
shall  we  go  to  find  such  a  man  as  Luther  Rice? 

"I  have  often  been  associated  with  brother  Rice  at  the 
anniversaries  of  our  benevolent  societies,  and  I  could 
never  see  him  on  such  occasions,  without  feeling  as  if 
I  were  in  the  presence  of  the  apostle  of  American  mis- 
sions. His  soul  seemed  peculiarly  alive  to  the  wants  of 
a  perishing  world.  In  all  that  he  said,  however  with 
respect  to  the  spread  of  the  gospel,  it  was  obvious  that 
the  all-absorbing  motive  with  him  was  the  glory  of 
the  Redeemer.  He  loved  the  souls  of  men,  and  there- 
fore sought  their  salvation;  but  it  was  mainly  because 
he  saw  in  the  recovery  of  sinners,  the  exhibition  of  God 's 
glory,  that  he  so  ardently  longed  for  their  salvation. 
0  that  this  were  the  predominant  motive  with  all  who 
are  giving  either  their  personal  exertions,  or  their  gold 
and  silver  to  the  cause  of  missions.  No  Christian  could 
hear  brother  Rice  speak  upon  the  universal  triumph  of 
the  cross,  without  having  his  soul  fired  with  the  desire 
of  seeing  the  banner  of  Immanuel  waving  over  all  the 
nations  of  the  earth. 


228  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"Brother  Rice  was  not,  properly  speaking,  a  literary- 
man,  although  he  had  received  in  early  life  an  accom- 
plished education.  Incessantly  travelling  to  preach  the 
gospel  and  to  encourage  the  disciples  of  Jesus  in  the 
good  work  of  extending  his  kingdom,  he  had  but  little 
time  to  devote  to  literary  pursuits.  Still  he  kept  pace 
with  the  improvements  of  the  age:  and  there  were  few 
subjects  of  importance  in  any  degree  connected  with 
the  present  or  eternal  happiness  of  mankind,  with  which 
he  was  not  most  familiarly  acquainted.  His  efforts  in 
behalf  of  the  Columbian  College,  together  with  his  co- 
operation in  every  scheme  proposing  to  advance  the 
cause  of  education,  especially  among  the  Christian  min- 
istry, furnish  abundant  testimony  that  he  knew  how  to 
value  education.  His  great  wish,  his  earnest  prayer  for 
the  American  Baptists  was,  that  they  might  have  an 
enlightened,  as  well  as  pious  ministry.  It  was  prob- 
ably his  zeal  for  the  Columbian  College,  that  brought 
on  the  disease  which  carried  him  to  an  early  grave.  For 
many  years,  he  had  exposed  himself  to  hardships  al- 
most incredible,  in  visiting  almost  every  comer  of  the 
United  States,  collecting  funds  to  relieve  the  college 
from  its  pecuniary  embarrassments.  How  far  his  ef- 
forts have  succeeded  in  laying  the  foundation  for  final 
relief  to  this  interesting  institution,  I  cannot  say — but 
when  I  consider  that  this  college  has,  by  his  indefati- 
gable labour,  been  kept  alive,  until  it  has  furnished  the 
American  Baptists  with  such  men  as  Wyer,  and  Adams, 
and  Ryland,  and  Knowles,  and  Malcolm,  and  others 
who  are  now  standing  among  the  most  useful  of  our 
preachers,  I  cannot  believe  that  it  will  now  be  permitted 
to  sink. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  229 

*  *  I  have  been  thinking  that  He  who  sees  the  end  from 
the  beginning,  may  have  removed  brother  Rice  for  the 
salvation  of  the  college.  We  have  been  depending  al- 
most exclusively  upon  his  exertions  to  sustain  this  in- 
stitution; consequently,  more  was  expected  from  him 
than  was  in  any  one  man's  power  to  accomplish.  Per- 
haps, now  that  he  is  taken  away,  hundreds  will  awake 
to  the  importance  of  bringing  the  college  to  the  point 
of  influence  and  usefulness  originally  anticipated  for  it, 
and  will  put  forth  greater  exertions  than  ever  in  its 
behalf;  and  thus,  while  his  life  may  be  justly  regarded 
as  materially  aiding  the  concern,  his  death  may,  under 
God,  be  the  means  of  doing  more  for  this  noble  enter- 
prise, than  his  laborious  life  had  ever  done.  God  grant 
that  this  may  be  the  case. 

"Is  there  any  one,  brother  Sands,  who  can  write  a 
biography  of  this  interesting  man?  It  would,  perhaps, 
be  a  difficult  undertaking;  and  unless  he  has  left  more 
materials  than  I  suppose  he  has,  it  must  be  but  imper- 
fectly accomplished.  But  half  a  biography  of  such  a 
man  would  be  eagerly  sought  after  throughout  the 
United  States.  I  hope  it  will  be  undertaken  speedily 
by  some  competent  hand.  It  is  necessary,  in  order  that 
the  Christian  public  may  have  those  erroneous  impres- 
sions corrected,  which  have  been  produced  by  the  various 
misrepresentations  made  of  his  character ;  and  moreover, 
such  a  work  might  do  much  good,  by  stirring  up  a  more 
active  spirit  in  the  glorious  cause  in  which  he  spent  his 
most  valuable  life." 

A  short  time  after  the  above  was  published,  another 
interesting  reference  to  some  of  the  distinguishing  traits 
of  his  character,  connected  with  recollections  of  a  last 


230  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

interview  with  him.  This  was  written  by  the  Rev.  Joseph 
S.  Baker. 

"His  devotion  to  the  cause  of  missions,  and  to  the 
cause  of  ministerial  education,  is  well  known,  and  has 
already  been  the  subject  of  frequent  animadversion. 
There  was  yet  another  object  that  lay  near  his  heart, 
and  was  not  forgotten,  either  in  his  conversations  with 
his  Christian  brethren,  or  in  his  prayers.  This  was  the 
revival  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  within  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia,  particularly  in  the  city  of  Washington, 
and  still  more  particularly  amongst  the  officers  of  gov- 
ernment. He  had  travelled  much,  was  an  attentive  ob- 
server of  men  and  things,  and,  consequently,  had  not 
failed  to  observe  the  immense  influence  which  the 
metropolis  of  our  country,  and  particularly  the  officers 
of  government,  were  exerting  through  the  whole  length 
and  breadth  of  our  land.  His  benevolent  soul  longed 
to  see  this  influence  exerted  in  favoring  the  advance- 
ment of  God's  glory,  and  the  eternal  salvation  of  his 
fellow-men.  For  this  he  prayed,  and  for  this  he  laboured 
to  bring  others  to  pray. 

' '  I  was  with  him  from  the  13th  to  the  16th  of  August 
(but  a  little  more  than  a  month  before  his  demise),  at 
a  camp-meeting  held  at  the  Cross  Roads,  in  Halifax. 
He  was  then  on  his  way  to  the  South.  There  was  an 
unusual  gravity  in  his  deportment,  both  in  public  and  in 
private.  I  do  not  remember,  during  that  period,  to  have 
heard  him  engage  in  any  conversation  that  was  not,  in 
some  way  or  other,  connected  with  the  cause  of  God. 
It  was  very  evident  that  the  three  objects,  to  which  I 
have  above  alluded,  pressed  with  much  weight  upon  his 
mind.  He  advocated,  in  public,  the  cause  of  God  and  a 
perishing  world,  as  connected  with  the  circulation  of 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  231 

the  World  of  Life,  fully  and  faithfully  translated.  In 
private,  he  proposed  to  several  of  us  to  unite  with  him, 
on  the  fourth  Monday  evening  in  each  month,  in  con- 
cert of  prayer,  for  revivals  of  religion  in  schools,  acade- 
mies, and  colleges,  and  amongst  the  officers  of  govern- 
ment. There  was  an  uncommon  earnestness  in  the  inter- 
rogatory, '  Will  you  ? '  with  which  he  followed  his  proposi- 
tions. It  was  also  accompanied  with  a  searching  look, 
as  though  he  would  pry  into  the  secret  recesses  of  our 
souls,  to  see  whether  he  could  find  a  spirit  there  con- 
genial with  his  own. 

"I  was  constrained  to  leave  the  camp-ground  on  the 
morning  of  the  16th.  I  had  been  appointed  to  preach 
at  eight  or  nine  o'clock;  brother  Rice  was  to  follow  at 
eleven  o'clock.  On  leaving  the  house,  after  preaching, 
to  go  to  my  house,  I  was  followed  by  brother  Rice.  He 
had  understood  that  there  was  a  prospect  of  my  leaving 
my  present  field  of  labor,  and  had  followed  me,  for  the 
purpose  of  endeavoring  to  prevail  upon  me  to  go  to 
Washington.  He  represented  that  the  church  at  the 
navy-yard  was  without  a  pastor ;  spoke  feelingly,  but  af- 
fectionately, of  the  state  of  things  in  the  church  under 
the  care  of  brother  Brown;  expressed  an  ardent  desire 
that  they  might  be  blessed  with  a  revival  of  religion  in 
the  city;  alluded  to  the  number  and  the  influence  of  the 
government;  descanted  upon  the  salutary  influence 
which  such  a  revival  of  religion  would  probably  exert 
throughout  the  Union;  and  added  much  more,  with  the 
view  of  impressing  upon  me  the  importance  of  the  situa- 
tion. He  seemed  to  feel  for  the  citizens  of  Washington 
the  yearnings  which  a  fond  and  benevolent  father  ex- 
periences, when  he  sees  a  beloved  son  expending,  in  vain 
and  foolish  pursuits,  the  powers  which,  if  properly  di- 


232  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

rected,  might  render  him  a  subject  of  praise,  and  a 
blessing  to  the  age  and  community  in  which  he  lived. 
He  felt  for  the  individual  interest  of  the  community — 
and  he  felt  the  more,  because  of  its  intimate  connection 
with  the  cause  of  Christ.  May  the  Lord  yet  evince,  by 
an  outpouring  of  his  spirit  upon  the  citizens  of  Wash- 
ington, and  the  officers  of  government,  that  the  prayers 
of  this  devoted  servant  were  not  in  vain. 

"I  have  thought  the  above  sketch,  hasty  and  imper- 
fect as  it  is,  might  possibly  prove  interesting  to  the 
friends  of  our  deceased  brother,  as  it  is  calculated  to 
throw  some  faint  light  upon  the  operations  of  his  mind, 
towards  the  close  of  his  life.  If  you  concur  in  this 
opinion,  you  may  give  it  a  place  in  your  paper.  Sweeter 
than  the  mellow  rays  of  a  setting  sun  is  the  peaceful  end 
of  a  faithful  servant  of  God. 

' '  Our  brother  is  gone.  We  know  that  we  shall  see  his 
face  no  more  on  earth — no  more  be  greeted  with  his 
smiles — no  more  listen  to  the  counsel  and  the  affectionate 
admonitions  which  were  wont  to  drop  from  his  lip,  like 
gentle  dew  from  heaven.  In  the  grave,  to  which  he  has 
been  consigned,  his  remains  must  lie,  until  the  sound  of 
the  last  solemn  trumpet  shall  break  through  the  silence 
of  the  tomb,  and  bid  the  dead  'awake.'  This  reflection 
spreads  a  gloom  upon  the  soul ;  but  the  melancholy  thus 
produced  is  again  relieved  by  the  recollection  of  the  vir- 
tues of  the  deceased,  and  by  the  fond  hope  that  these 
virtues  will  not  lie  buried  with  him  in  the  tomb,  but, 
like  the  mantle  of  Elijah,  will  rest  upon  the  head  of  some 
surviving  Elisha;  or,  like  the  light  of  the  sun,  in  his 
absence,  will  be  reflected  from  thousands  of  those  whom 
he  has  left  behind,  revolving  in  their  several  orbs. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  233 

"I  must  heartily  concur,  with  those  who  have  pre- 
ceded me,  in  the  expression  of  a  hope  that  some  compe- 
tent person  will  undertake  to  write  his  biography,  and 
that  at  an  early  period." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Meredith,  editor  of  the  Biblical  Recorder, 
makes  the  following  very  pathetic,  yet  appropriate  al- 
lusion to  Mr.  Rice : 

"It  is  a  most  gratifying  fact,  and  one  well  known  to 
his  friends,  that  for  several  years  past,  the  deceased  has 
been  rapidly  maturing  for  a  better  world.  Deeply  af- 
fected by  the  vanity  and  uncertainty,  and  perhaps  in- 
gratitude, of  the  present  state,  his  affections  and  his 
thoughts  have  been  gradually  drawn  away  and  concen- 
trated upon  higher  and  holier  objects.  His  style  of 
preaching,  his  conversation,  and  all  the  habits  and  man- 
ners of  his  life,  plainly  indicated  a  state  of  mind  having 
but  little  congeniality  with  the  present  world,  and  far 
advanced  in  fitness  for  the  next." 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Mercer,  of  Georgia,  thus  refers  to  some 
traits  of  his  character : 

"Mr.  Rice's  self-denial  was  equal  to  his  devotion  to 
every  good  cause.  Like  his  blessed  Master,  he  went  about 
doing  good.  He  looked  over  the  world,  and  found  it 
full  of  human  miseries,  and  forthwith  he  laboured  with 
all  his  might  for  their  removal.  Thus  labouring,  not  un- 
frequently,  was  he  exposed  to  heat,  to  cold,  and  to  the 
colder  treatment  of  those  whose  good  he  sought  to  pro- 
mote. For  even  Luther  Rice  had  his  enemies,  may  we 
not  say  his  persecutors?  With  talents  of  the  very  first 
order,  and  an  education  that  would  have  secured  to  him 
the  smiles  and  the  favours  of  those  who  are  deservedly 
called  wise  and  good,  he  travelled  up  and  down  in  the 
earth  for  the  benefit  of  others.     Oft-times,  clad  in  tat- 


234  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

tered  garments,  to  a  stranger  he  would  appear  to  re- 
semble more  a  poor  beggar  than  a  great  and  good  man. 
So  cold-hearted  selfishness  has  often  treated  those  of 
whom  the  world  has  not  been  worthy.  A  few  kindred 
souls,  however,  who  knew  how  to  appreciate  his  self- 
denying  labours,  frequently  ministered  to  his  necessities. 
The  Lord  will  reward  them  in  that  day! 

"Mr.  Rice  was  a  powerful  preacher.  His  thoughts 
were  often  original,  and  most  generally  expressed  with 
a  pathos  and  energy,  peculiarly  his  own.  There  are 
thousands  in  these  United  States  who  will  long  recollect 
his  fine  appearance  in  the  pulpit,  and  the  valuable  in- 
structions they  have  received  from  his  sermons. 

"But  he  has  gone  the  way  of  all  the  earth.  Pos- 
terity will  do  him  justice.  His  name  will  stand  upon 
a  bright  page  in  the  history  of  his  denomination,  as  no 
doubt  it  does  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life,  in  a  better 
world  than  this.  His  labours  here  are  done,  but  who  can 
calculate  their  important  bearings?" 

At  the  June  anniversaries  held  in  Richmond,  in  1837, 
the  vacancy  occasioned  by  Mr.  Rice's  removal  was  se- 
verely felt.  So  regular  had  been  his  attendance,  and 
with  so  much  freedom  had  he  mingled  in  their  delibera- 
tions, that  he  was  considered,  in  a  measure,  identified 
with  all  the  great  denominational  operations  of  the  state. 
By  long,  intimate,  and  endeared  intercourse  with  almost 
all  the  ministers,  and  many  private  brethren,  a  mutual 
attachment  had  been  created,  which,  even  the  stroke  of 
death  could  not  destroy.  The  numerous  delegation 
which  met  on  the  occasion  referred  to,  remembered  him 
with  melancholy  interest  though  they  saw  him  not.  Fre- 
quently were  incidental  allusions  made  to  the  bereaving 
Providence  which  had  called  him  away,  both  in  public 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  235 

and  in  private.  And  whenever  the  name  of  Luther  Rice 
was  repeated,  the  solemn  silence,  and  the  tearful  eye, 
gave  evidence  how  much  he  was  beloved.  In  what  esti- 
mation he  was  regarded,  may  be  judged  from  the  follow- 
ing extract  taken  from  the  report  of  the  Baptist  General 
Association  of  Virginia : 

"It  would  not  be  suitable  to  close  this  report  without 
referring  to  an  event  which  has  been  keenly  felt  by 
the  Baptists  of  Virginia.  Since  the  last  annual  meeting, 
the  providence  of  God  has  called  away  our  esteemed 
brother,  Luther  Rice,  from  the  scene  of  his  earthly  la- 
bours. As  the  friend  of  an  enlightened  and  pious  minis- 
try, it  is  known  he  occupied  elevated  ground.  To  pro- 
mote this  great  object,  he  spent  the  best  of  his  life.  He 
was  among  the  earliest  and  most  devoted  friends  of  our 
beloved  seminary,  although  his  labours  were  chiefly  di- 
rected to  the  interests  of  another  institution.  The  duties 
of  his  agency  led  him,  indeed,  into  other  states,  but  he 
always  delighted  to  call  Virginia,  '  home. '  Scarcely  with 
any  intermission,  he  annually  attended  our  general 
meetings,  and  always  interested  himself  and  laboured  as 
one  at  home.  And  here,  he  always  found  a  hearty  wel- 
come. We  loved  him  for  the  truth's  sake — we  loved 
him  for  his  works'  sake.  But  he  is  gone.  "We  shall  see 
his  face  no  more.  That  tongue,  which  at  our  last  an- 
niversary, plead  with  such  overpowering  eloquence  on 
behalf  of  dying  men,  is  now  mute  in  death.  His  majestic 
form  rests  quietly  beneath  a  little  mound  of  earth,  but 
we  have  reason  to  believe  his  happy  spirit  has  gone  to 
commune  with  a  Clopton,  and  Semple,  and  with  his 
earliest  coadjutor,  the  lamented  Mrs.  Judson.  We  can- 
not but  venerate  his  memory,  for  with  all  his  frailties, 
he  was  a  great  and  good  man. 


236  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"May  the  great  Lord  of  the  harvest  raise  up  many 
such  to  labour  in  his  vineyard." 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  the  remains  of  our  es- 
teemed brother  were  entombed  in  the  graveyard  of  the 
Pine  Pleasant  Church,  Edgefield  District,  South  Caro- 
lina. The  Baptist  convention  of  that  state,  at  their 
annual  meeting,  in  1837,  resolved  to  erect  a  simple  yet 
permanent  monument  to  his  memory.  It  is  a  large  marble 
slab,  laid  on  raised  brick  work,  and  surrounded  by  a 
brick  wall.  The  inscription  was  prepared  by  the  Rev. 
J.  L.  Brooks,  and  very  appropriately  delineates  the  char- 
acter of  him  who  sleeps  beneath  it.  An  exact  copy  will 
here  be  inserted. 


BORN  Beneath  This  Marble  DIED 

March  25th,  Are  deposited  the  remains  of  Sept'r  25th, 

A.D.  1783.  A.D.  1836. 

Elder  LUTHER  RICE, 

A     MINISTER    OF     CHRIST,     OF    THE    BAPTIST     DENOMINATION. 

He  was  a  native  of  Northboro',  Massachusetts, 
And  departed  this  life  in  Edgefield  District,  S.  C. 

In  the  death  of  this  distinguished  servant  of  the  Lord,  "is  a 
great  man  fallen  in  Israel." 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  237 


THAN  HE, 

Perhaps  no  American  has  done  more  No  Baptist  has  done  more 

for  the  great  Missionary  Enterprise.  for  the  cause  of  education. 

It  is  thought  the  first  American  He  founded   "The  Columbian   Col- 
Foreign   Mission,  on  which   he  went  lege  in  the  District  of  Columbia," 
to  India,   associated  with  Judson  which  he  benevolently   intended, 
and  others,  originated  with  him.  by  its   central   position. 
And  if  the  Burmans  have  cause  to  diffuse  knowledge, 
of  gratitude  toward  Judson,  for  a  both  literary  and  religious, 
faithful  version  of  God's  Word  ;  through  these  United  States, 
eo  they  will  thro'  generations  to  come  And  if,  for  want  of  deserved 
"arise  up  and  call  Rice,  blessed:"  patronage,  that  unfortunate 
for   it  was   his  eloquent  appeals  for  Institution,  which  was  the  special 
the  Heathen,  on  his  return  to  subject  of  his  prayers  and  toils, 
America,  which  raised  our  Baptist  for  the  last  fifteen  years  of  his  life, 

churches  to  adopt  the  Burman  fail  to  fulfil  the 

Mission,  and  sustain  Judson  in  his  high  purpose  of  its  founder; 

arduous  toils.  yet,  the  spirit  of  education, 

awakened  by  his  labours, 
shall  accomplish  his   noble  aim. 


LUTHER  RICE, 

With  a  portly  person  and  commanding  presence, 

Combined  a  strong  and  brilliant  intellect. 

As  a  scholar,  his  education  was  liberal. 

He  was  an  eloquent  and  powerful  preacher; 

A  self-denying  and  indefatigable  philanthropist. 

His  frailties  with  his  dust  are  entombed; 

And,  upon  the  walls  of  Zion,  his  virtues  engraven. 

By  order  of  the  Baptist  Convention,  for  the  state  of  South 

Carolina,  This  Monument  is  erected 

To  His  Memory. 

The  letters  engraved  upon  this  marble  but  few,  com- 
paratively, will  trace.  This  solitary  spot,  where  lies  all 
that  is  mortal  of  the  servant  of  God,  will  seldom  be 
trodden  by  the  foot  of  man.  The  house  of  worship  which 
stood  near  the  grave  has  since  the  interment  been  con- 
sumed by  fire,  and  will  probably  not  be  rebuilt. 


238  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

Occasionally,  some  friend  will  turn  aside  to  drop  a 
tear  over  departed  merit,  while  lie  reads  the  brief  me- 
morial which  affection  has  inscribed.  But  a  more  en- 
during monument  than  this  had  been  reared.  His  works 
do  follow  him — not  only  to  the  world  above  as  evidences 
of  unfeigned  piety,  but  they  live  in  the  recollections  of 
thousands  who  were  the  witnesses  of  his  zeal  and  love. 
Nor  will  the  present  generation  alone  think  of  and  re- 
gard him.  When  the  hand  of  time  shall  have  marred  the 
epitaph,  now  found  upon  the  marble  stone,  he  will  still 
be  known  and  honoured. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

Reference  to  Mr.  Bice's  Personal  Appearance — Dignity 
of  Manner — Self -Possession — Anecdote — Style  of 
His  Sermons — T  heir  Attractiveness — Doctrinal 
Character — Importance  of  Doctrinal  Discourse — 
Method  of  Beading  the  Bible,  and  Selecting  Texts 
— Advantages  of  This  System — Highly  Gifted  in 
Prayer — Qualifications  for  Pastoral  Labour. 

It  will  now  be  the  duty  of  the  biographer,  to  notice 
some  particulars  for  which  Mr.  Rice  was  remarkable 
in  his  ministerial  character  and  labours.  As  a  preacher 
of  righteousness,  he  has  been  rarely  excelled.  By  nature 
he  was  endowed  with  many  of  the  essential  attributes 
of  an  effective  speaker.  His  appearance  was  highly  pre- 
possessing. Above  the  ordinary  height,  with  a  robust 
and  perfectly  erect  form,  there  was  at  once  produced  on 
the  mind  of  the  beholder  a  most  favorable  impression. 
None  could  fail  to  entertain  respect,  for  it  was  de- 
manded by  a  peculiar  dignity  of  appearance  and  man- 
ner. Especially  was  this  true,  when  he  arose  in  the 
pulpit.  With  a  full  face,  and  comparatively  small  eye, 
there  was  sometimes  rather  a  dull  and  heavy  cast  of 
countenance,  which  immediately  changed,  when  he  be- 
came animated  by  speaking.  His  voice  was  clear  and 
melodious.  He  had  but  little  action,  which  however  was 
appropriate  and  graceful.  He  was  at  all  times,  when 
he  addressed  an  assembly,  remarkable  for  self-possession. 
Nothing  seemed  capable  of  discomposing  his  mind.  Per- 
haps few  speakers  have  been  apparently  less  affected  by 
external  circumstances;   whatever  might  be   the   char- 

[239] 


240  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

acter  of  the  congregation,  whether  large  or  small,  intel- 
ligent or  ignorant,  whether  in  the  city,  or  country,  he 
was  always  distinguished  for  the  same  dignity  of  man- 
ner and  readiness  of  utterance. 

Although  the  writer,  for  many  years,  was  often  privi- 
leged to  hear  him,  but  a  single  occasion  is  remembered, 
when  he  seemed  to  be  disconcerted,  and  even  then,  by 
a  happy  use  of  the  unpleasant  circumstance,  a  most 
solemn  impression  was  left  upon  the  minds  of  all  who 
heard  him.  At  an  associational  meeting,  when  an  im- 
mensely large  assemblage  were  seated  before  him,  under 
the  full  foliage  of  a  beautiful  grove,  he  was  interrupted 
by  a  few  young  persons,  whose  frivolous  behaviour  was 
attracting  the  attention  of  almost  all  by  whom  they  were 
immediately  surrounded.  His  subject,  on  that  day  was 
the  future  and  eternal  punishment  of  the  wicked,  which 
he  treated  with  unusual  clearness  and  power.  In  the 
midst  of  some  of  his  most  searching  appeals,  he  paused, 
and  looking  for  a  moment  with  unutterable  tenderness 
upon  the  thoughtless  group,  he  faithfully  and  affection- 
ately warned  them  of  their  fearful  danger,  and  with 
tears  streaming  down  his  cheeks,  besought  them  to  re- 
pent and  turn  to  God. 

The  style  of  Mr.  Rice's  sermons  was,  in  many  respects, 
superior.  A  refined  critical  taste  could  perhaps  have 
discovered,  at  times,  a  redundancy  of  words  and  phrases, 
but  this  was  no  more  than  might  have  been  expected 
from  discourses  which  were  always  extemporaneous,  es- 
pecially when  it  is  known  that  the  multiplicity  of  other 
duties  allowed  but  little  time  for  preparation.  Rather 
may  it  be  considered  as  remarkable,  that  with  so  little 
leisure — Shaving  been,  from  the  period  of  leaving  the 
seminary,    wholly    employed    in    other    matters — there 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  241 

should  have  been  so  much  freedom  from  defect.  While 
he  was  almost  wholly  engrossed  with  perplexing  cares, 
connected  with  the  mission  and  the  college,  his  liberal 
education  and  his  great,  comprehensive  mind,  enabled 
him  with  ease  and  clearness  to  discuss  the  various  topics 
introduced  in  his  discourses. 

As  has  just  been  intimated,  his  pulpit  efforts  were 
highly  attractive.  The  moment  he  began  to  speak,  at- 
tention was  roused,  and  uniformly  the  interest  thus 
awakened  was  kept  up  throughout  the  services.  The 
clearness  of  his  conceptions,  the  accuracy  and  force  of 
his  language,  and  the  solemn  dignity  of  his  manner,  all 
contributed  to  render  him  one  of  the  most  interesting 
public  speakers  of  our  land.  Occasionally,  his  eloquence 
was  almost  overpowering,  particularly  when  he  advo- 
cated the  more  sublime  doctrines  of  our  holy  religion. 
Indeed,  in  the  discussion  of  such  topics,  he  may  be  re- 
garded as  having  been  most  felicitous.  There  seems  to 
have  been  a  coincidence  between  the  operations  of  his 
own  mind,  and  those  truths  which,  in  their  very  nature, 
are  vast  and  grand.  The  terribleness  of  Jehovah's  wrath, 
the  severity  of  his  justice,  and  the  rectitude  of  all  his 
decisions,  were  themes  which  gave  ample  scope  to  his 
vigorous  intellect,  and  in  the  discussion  of  which  he  was 
not  only  instructive,  but  exceedingly  impressive. 

This  leads  to  the  remark  that  his  sermons  were  char- 
acteristically doctrinal.  He  was  never  more  happy  than 
when  illustrating,  or  defending,  some  one  of  the  divine 
attributes,  and  especially  the  sovereignty  of  God.  The 
necessity  and  power  of  the  spirit's  operation  with  the 
Deity,  and  efficacious  atonement  of  Jesus  Christ,  were 
also  topics  upon  which  he  frequently  dwelt.  He  often 
seemed  at  a  loss  for  words  adequately  to  express  his 


242  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

lively  apprehension  of  the  doctrine  of  human  depravity. 
Man  was  contemplated  as  involved  in  fearful  and  utter 
ruin,  and  justly  exposed  to  the  malediction  of  God's 
holy  law.  These,  and  kindred  doctrines.  Nothing  could 
deter  him  from  holding  up  the  truth,  and  commending 
it  to  the  attention  of  his  hearers.  In  this  respect  he  was 
remarkable.  The  fear  of  man,  which  bringeth  a  snare, 
he  knew  not;  nor  could  flattery  and  applause  induce 
liim  to  compromise  the  word  of  God. 

"Well  do  I  remember,"  said  an  intelligent  brother, 
"the  impressions  made  upon  my  mind  the  first  time  I 
(iver  heard  him  preach.  I  could  not  refrain  from  re- 
marking subsequently,  to  several  brethren,  that  he 
seemed  to  keep  the  glory  of  God  more  distinctly  in  view, 
in  his  preaching,  than  any  individual  I  had  ever  before 
heard.  This  was  his  great,  his  peculiar  characteristic — 
a  thirsting  for  the  advancement  of  the  glory  of  God, 
'  Thy  kingdom  come ;  thy  will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is 
in  heaven,'  seemed  to  be  the  constant  and  the  fervent 
aspiration  of  his  heart." 

It  was  by  some  thought  that  his  preaching  was  too 
doctrinal ;  that  his  ministry  might  have  been  in  a  higher 
degree  profitable,  had  he  more  frequently  pressed  the 
calls  and  commands  of  the  gospel  upon  the  consciences 
of  men.  While  it  is  remembered  that  Mr.  Rice  did  not 
neglect  to  enforce  practical  religion,  it  should  also  be 
borne  in  mind  that  every  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  may 
be  expected  to  have  his  own  peculiar  manner  of  doing 
good.  The  great  Head  of  the  church  has  wisely  and 
benevolently  ordained,  that  men  of  different  talents  and 
address  shall  be  brought  into  his  service.  Some  are  set 
for  the  defense  of  the  gospel.  These,  by  their  peculiar 
conformation  of  mind,  or  the  circumstances  by  which 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  243 

they  are  surrounded,  may  be  so  intent  to  maintain  the 
cardinal  doctrines  of  revelation,  that  experimental  and 
practical  religion  may  sometimes  seem  to  be  neglected. 
Then  there  are  those,  less  qualified,  indeed,  to  stand  upon 
the  ramparts  of  truth,  but  who  are  eminently  fitted  to 
attend  to  other  equally  important  services  in  this  great 
warfare.  One  has  a  talent  for  argumentation,  another 
for  warning,  and  a  third  for  entreaty.  Some  are  remark- 
able for  the  clearness  and  cogency  of  their  thoughts  and 
illustrations,  and  others  for  the  overwhelming  influence 
of  persuasive  eloquence. 

With  respect  to  the  peculiarity  in  the  discourses  of 
Mr.  Rice,  to  which  we  have  referred,  abundant  evidence 
exists  to  convince  all,  that  the  Lord  intended  to  make 
his  ministry  very  effectual  in  the  instruction  and  edifica- 
tion of  the  household  of  faith.  His  knowledge  of  the 
Scriptures  being  profound  and  accurate,  he  was  well 
skilled  in  the  elucidation  of  difficult  passages,  and  in 
exhibiting  the  harmony  of  various  doctrines  of  the  gos- 
pel, one  with  another.  With  him,  the  ascertainment  and 
inculcation  of  truth  was  an  object  of  paramount  impor- 
tance. And  who  does  not  perceive,  that  this  disposition 
to  investigate  and  expound  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible, 
was  likely,  in  an  eminent  degree,  to  insure  usefulness  ? 

It  is  not  enough  to  effect  the  translation  of  men  from 
the  kingdom  of  darkness,  into  the  kingdom  of  God's 
dear  Son.  When,  by  the  divine  blessing,  this  has  been 
effected,  there  is  ground  for  holy  joy,  but  much  yet  re- 
mains to  be  done.  They  are  to  be  taught  the  way  of  God 
more  perfectly,  and,  to  perform  this  work,  the  instruc- 
tor will  have  need,  himself,  to  understand  thoroughly 
the  lively  oracles.  It  will  not  be  enough,  simply  to  en- 
force the  precepts  of  the  gospel :  the  truth,  in  its  spirit 


244  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

and  tendency,  must  be  unfolded  and  enforced,  that  be- 
lievers may  be  built  up  and  established  in  their  most 
holy  faith.  It  was  a  source  of  unutterable  joy,  in  the 
decline  of  life,  to  the  Apostle  John,  ' '  that  the  truth  dwelt 
in  his  children  and  that  they  walked  in  the  truth. "  And 
in  every  age  the  church  had  been  pure  and  efficient,  in 
proportion  as  scriptural  principles  have  constituted  a 
prominent  part  of  the  instructions  of  the  pastor  or 
teacher.  We  need  among-  our  churches  a  greater  number 
of  workmen  than  need  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  divid- 
ing the  word  of  truth.    Such  was  Luther  Rice. 

Elder  William  F.  Broaddus,  in  adverting  to  this  sub- 
ject, remarks : 

"  As  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  I  doubt  whether  brother 
Rice  had  an  equal  in  all  these  United  States.  I  have  had 
the  privilege  of  listening  to  the  pulpit  exhibitions  of 
many  to  whom  common  fame  had  awarded  a  place  in 
the  very  first  rank  of  preachers,  and  I  am  free  to  con- 
fess, that  I  have  never  heard  so  complete  a  gospel  from 
the  lips  of  any  man,  as  I  have  heard  from  him.  I  do  not 
mean  to  say,  that  he  excelled  in  what  are  generally  con- 
sidered as  indispensable  to  an  accomplished  pulpit  ora- 
tor; such  as  gesticulation,  rhetorical  precision,  &c.  He 
was  by  no  means  deficient  in  these  particulars;  but  it 
was  in  real  strength,  as  an  expounder  of  the  Bible,  as  a 
teacher  of  the  way  of  salvation  to  perishing  sinners,  that 
he  excelled.  His  ordinary  mode  of  variety  of  objects 
named,  and  great  simplicity  of  language,  but  a  fer- 
vency and  unction  of  soul  seldom  equalled.  He  seemed 
to  draw  very  near  the  mercy  seat,  and  to  speak  as  one 
who  was  familiar  with  the  employ.  It  has  been  often 
observed  by  the  pious,  that  they  have  derived  more  spir- 
itual profit  from  his  prayers,  than  from  any  laboured  dis- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  245 

courses.  He  scarcely  ever  prayed  in  public,  without  ut- 
tering the  most  humiliating  confessions  of  the  exceeding 
sinfulness  of  sin,  while  he  gloried  in  the  freeness  and 
sovereignty  of  that  grace,  which  is  treasured  in  Christ 
Jesus,  and  which  is  made  effectual  unto  salvation  by  the 
indwelling  of  the  lio\y  Spirit.  Among  the  topics  which 
he  never  omitted  to  mention  in  his  petitions,  were  the 
interests  of  missions  and  education.  In  connection  with 
the  latter  subject,  the  Columbian  College  was  usually 
mentioned  by  name." 

The  extensive  journeys  which  for  many  years  were 
performed  by  Mr.  Rice,  afforded  numerous  opportunities 
of  addressing  his  fellow-men  on  the  great  themes  of 
judgment  and  eternity.  His  congregations  and  the  cir- 
cumstances by  whicli  he  was  surrounded,  were  continual- 
1}'^  varying.  This,  doubtless,  was  one  cause  of  that  ease 
and  readiness,  for  which  he  was  so  remarkable.  He 
never  seemed  unprepared  or  unwilling  to  speak  when 
called  upon  to  do  so,  by  the  desire  of  his  brethren.  One 
of  his  best  sermons  on  an  anniversary  occasion  was  de- 
livered with  a  previous  notice  of  not  more  than  half  an 
hour.  The  minister  appointed  to  preach  the  introduc- 
tory discourse  having  failed  to  attend,  he  was  solicited 
to  occupy  the  pulpit.  Without  hesitation  or  apology,  he 
addressed  a  crowded  audience,  among  which,  was  a  large 
number  of  ministers  from  different  parts  of  the  country, 
in  a  most  appropriate  and  impressive  manner. 

It  can  scarcely  be  expected  that  his  discourses  would 
be  distinguished  by  a  great  degree  of  variety,  either  in 
sentiment  or  style.  As  already  stated,  they  were  always 
excellent,  and  sometimes  superior;  but  his  itinerant 
habits  precluded  the  possibility  of  bestowing  upon  them 
that  time  and  study,  which  he  himself  desired.     His 


246  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

mind  was  perpetually  absorbed  by  secular  cares.  The 
vexatious  labour  of  providing  funds,  was  his  business 
from  the  time  of  his  return  to  this  country,  nor  did  he 
find  a  respite,  until  he  found  it  in  the  grave.  A  large  por- 
tion of  the  time,  too,  he  was  toiling  to  secure  funds  for 
an  institution  overwhelmed  in  debt. 

That  he  would  have  made  one  of  the  first  pulpit 
speakers  of  his  day,  had  his  attention  been  wholly  di- 
rected to  the  ministry,  none  who  knew  him,  can  doubt. 
Had  his  divine  Master  allowed  him  to  labour  in  some  city 
congregation,  where  he  might  have  commanded  the  time 
and  facilities  for  patient  investigation,  there  is  reason 
to  believe,  he  would  have  eminently  distinguished  him- 
self by  his  varied  and  profound  biblical  knowledge. 

The  same  may  be  said  respecting  the  probable  extent 
of  his  usefulness  as  a  pastor.  Many  of  the  essentials 
of  a  good  bishop  were  united  in  him.  In  a  few  instances, 
opportunity  has  been  furnished  to  manifest  the  readi- 
ness with  which  he  could  adapt  his  observations  to  the 
peculiar  circumstances  of  the  circle  into  which  he  was 
brought.  The  writer  in  performing  pastoral  duty,  was, 
on  two  or  three  occasions,  accompanied  by  him.  His 
remarks  indicated  not  only  an  intimate  knowledge  of 
human  nature,  but  peculiar  skill  in  the  application  of 
scriptural  truth.  One  of  these  seasons  especially,  will 
never  be  forgotten.  Among  other  visits,  the  lowly  dwell- 
ing of  a  poor,  but  pious  widow,  was  entered.  While 
every  thing  around  betokened  the  absence  of  mere 
earthly  good,  spiritual  prosperity  was  evidently  not  a 
stranger.  Mr.  Rice  was  deeply  affected.  He  seized  upon 
that  paragraph  in  the  first  epistle  of  Peter,  from  the  first 
verse  to  the  eighth,  and  dilated  upon  it  with  unusual 
emphasis  and  unction.     When  he  reached  the  passage, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  247 

' '  the  trial  of  your  faith  being  much  more  precious  than 
of  gold  that  perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,"  he 
applied  it  with  sympathizing  tenderness  to  the  circum- 
stances of  the  afflicted  saint  before  him.  Seeming  to 
understand  the  peculiarity  of  her  sufferings,  he  poured 
into  her  wounded  heart  the  healing  consolations  of  that 
truth,  that  all  these  trials  would  "be  found  unto  praise, 
and  honour,  and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of  Jesus 
Christ." 

That  he  might  enjoy  the  opportunity  of  developing 
more  fully  his  talents  for  pulpit  and  pastoral  labour, 
was  frequently  desired  by  his  judicious  friends.  Espe- 
cially was  this  true  towards  the  close  of  his  earthly 
career,  when  he  himself  so  ardently  sought  it.  But  the 
great  Head  of  the  church,  in  his  unerring  decisions,  al- 
lowed not  his  wishes  and  those  of  his  brethren  to  be 
gratified.     The  Lord  doeth  all  things  well. 

' '  Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 
Of  never  failing  skill. 
He  treasures  up  his  bright  designs. 
And  works  his  sovereign  will. ' ' 


CHAPTER  XIV 

"Reference  to  Mr.  Rice's  Extensive  Influence  and  Useful- 
ness— Results  of  His  Change  of  Sentiment — Work 
on  Baptism  Written — Usefulness  in  the  Mission 
Cause — Letter  from  Mr.  Wade — Success  in  Promot- 
ing Ministerial  Improvement — Failure  to  Return  to 
India  Vindicated — Solemn  Pledge  on  This  Subject 
— Interesting  Letter  from  Mr.  Kincaid — Letter  from 
Mr.  Judson — Home  Mission  Projected — Success  in 
Exciting  the  Churches  to  the  Exercise  of  Benevo- 
lence— Union  of  the  Denomination  Promoted. 

The  part  which  Mr.  Rice  has  borne  in  our  denomina- 
tional history,  may  well  endear  his  memory  to  all  our 
churches.  It  will  be  suitable  in  this  chapter  to  bring 
together  in  one  view,  all  those  prominent  particulars, 
in  which  he  may  be  regarded  as  having  effected  vast 
good,  and  to  notice  some  of  the  indications  of  that  ex- 
tensive influence  which  he  possessed. 

The  circumstances  under  which  he  first  became  con- 
nected with  the  Baptists,  must  appear  to  the  diligent 
observer  of  events,  somewhat  extraordinary.  The  simul- 
taneous investigations  of  Judson  and  himself,  when 
separated  from  each  other,  and  the  numerous  obstacles 
through  which  they  were  compelled  to  press,  in  main- 
taining the  triumph  of  principle,  furnish  satisfactory 
evidence  that  they  were  guided  and  upheld  by  an  un- 
seen, but  Almighty  arm.  The  results  of  this  change,  in 
respect  to  the  baptismal  controversy,  have  been  bene- 
ficial. They  occupied  a  high  and  imposing  position.  The 
eye  of  the  Christian  world  was  upon  them,  and  when 

[  248  ] 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  249 

they  came  forth,  declaring  their  solemn  conviction  that 
they  had  been  negligent  of  an  important  command  of 
their  divine  Lord,  their  testimony  was  heard  by  all.  It 
was  a  startling,  and  unexpected  annunciation.  By  it 
they  entered  their  strong  protest  against  some  of  the  re- 
maining errors  of  the  great  apostacy,  and  their  decided 
disapproval  of  the  conduct  of  thousands,  who,  in  this 
respect,  were  living  in  habitual  disobedience.  When  Mr. 
Rice  returned  to  the  United  States,  and  from  one  end 
of  the  land  to  the  other,  was  engaged  in  advocating  the 
claims  of  a  heathen  world ;  he  was  also  recognized  as  a 
convert  from  the  errors  of  Pedobaptism.  All  were  com- 
pelled to  own  that  he  had  personally  sacrificed  much  in 
abandoning  the  practice  of  infant  sprinkling.  His  in- 
fluence in  this  respect  was  by  no  means  small.  If  not  a 
word  had  been  uttered  by  him  on  the  subject  of  bap- 
tism, his  example  would  still  have  spoken  in  a  tone 
loud  and  forcible. 

In  many  instances,  he  was  required  by  the  strong  wish 
of  his  brethren,  both  among  the  Pedobaptists  and  Bap- 
tists to  furnish  the  reasons,  which  produced  a  revolu- 
tion in  his  own  mind.  This  he  never  hesitated  to  do. 
With  meekness  and  fear,  the  whole  process  of  investiga- 
tion was  stated.  In  doing  so  he  would  sometimes  be 
much  affected.  A  retrospect  of  the  way  along  which  the 
Lord  had  led  him,  created  deep  humiliation  and  devout 
gratitude. 

The  influence  exercised  on  Pedobaptists  was  the 
greater  on  account  of  the  kind  and  Christian-like  temper 
which  he  exhibited.  He  was  not  afraid  to  speak  plainly 
on  this  subject.  The  error  against  which  he  remon- 
strated, he  did  not  regard  as  inconsiderable.  But  he 
spoke  the  truth  in  love.     By  experience  he  knew  the 


250  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

power  of  early  formed  prejudices,  and  while  by  the  mani- 
festations of  the  truth,  he  condemned  himself  to  the 
conscience,  he  endeavored  to  do  so  by  conciliating  the 
good  feelings  of  those  he  addressed.  Nor  was  he  un- 
successful, in  producing  conviction  on  the  minds  of  Pedo- 
baptists.  Many  in  different  parts  of  the  United  States, 
acknowledged  him  as  the  instrument  of  opening  their 
eyes  to  the  discovery  of  their  error. 

During  his  voyage  to  this  country,  he  prepared  a 
treatise  on  the  subject  of  baptism,  in  a  series  of  letters 
to  his  brother.  A  considerable  portion  of  this  essay  is 
occupied  by  the  consideration  of  the  Abrahamic  Cove- 
nant. Had  his  life  been  longer  spared,  it  is  not  im- 
probable, that  in  an  abridged  form,  it  would  have  been 
given  to  the  public.    It  may  yet  see  the  light. 

The  extensive  usefulness  of  Mr.  Rice  is  still  more 
prominently  manifest  in  the  history  of  those  great  move- 
ments, by  which  as  a  denomination,  the  baptized  be- 
lievers of  this  country,  have  sent  the  gospel  to  various 
and  distant  portions  of  the  earth.  These  operations  are 
mainly  to  be  attributed  to  his  influence.  When  he  re- 
turned from  Asia,  in  common  with  the  great  mass  of 
other  denominations,  the  Baptists  were  slumbering  over 
their  duty  to  a  fallen  world.  They  had  scarcely  allowed 
themselves  to  look  over  the  many  portions  of  the  globe, 
upon  which  the  dense  gloom  of  moral  light  had  settled. 
Scarcely  had  they  remembered,  that  hundreds  of  mil- 
lions of  immortal  beings  were  worshiping  idol  gods,  and 
covered  with  guilt,  were  hastening  to  the  pit  of  despair. 
Nor  could  any  means  have  so  effectually  aroused  their 
slumbering  energies,  as  the  personal  and  unremitted 
exertions  of  Mr.  Rice.  Aside  from  his  qualifications, 
physical,  intellectual  and  moral,  he  had  just  returned 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  251 

from  Asia,  and  had  been  a  spectator  of  the  horrors  of 
heathenism.  In  addition  to  tliis,  the  fact  that  he  had 
recently  changed  his  views  on  the  subject  of  baptism, 
and  under  circumstances  so  peculiar,  gave  him  a  com- 
manding influence,  an  influence  which  could  have  been 
exercised  by  no  other  man  in  our  country. 

Few  men,  if  any,  then  among  the  churches  were  pre- 
pared to  take  the  enlarged  and  comprehensive  views  on 
the  subject  of  missions,  which  were  entertained  by  Mr. 
Rice.  He  aimed  to  enlist  the  entire  denomination  in  the 
work.  And  he  was  to  a  great  extent  successful.  To 
every  part  he  travelled,  visited  almost  every  association, 
and  corresponded  with  nearly  all  the  ministers  of  our 
land.  By  means  of  the  Latter  Day  Luminary,  many 
thousands  of  which  were  published,  and  by  his  own 
efforts  circulated,  a  vast  amount  of  information  was 
diffused.  These  were  the  incipient  measures  which,  with 
almost  unexampled  toil  and  sacrifice,  he  carried  into 
effect.  And  what  has  been  the  result?  American  Bap- 
tist churches  are  sending  out  their  evangelists  to  the 
four  quarters  of  the  globe.  The  tidings  of  salvation 
have  been  proclaimed  in  various  tongues,  and  dying 
idolaters  have  heard  the  joyful  sound. 

Schools  have  been  established,  and  the  rising  genera- 
tion are  receiving  instruction  in  the  various  branches 
of  knowledge.  God's  own  word  has  been  fairly  and 
fully  translated  into  other  languages,  and  thousands  of 
copies  have  been  circulated.  Innumerable  pages  of 
tracts  have  been  published,  and  scattered  abroad.  Nor 
is  this  all.  The  word  of  the  Lord  has  been  quick  and 
powerful :  the  dead  have  heard  it,  and  startled  into  life. 
From  the  valley  of  dry  bones  an  exceeding  great  army 


252  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

has  arisen,  to  aid  in  carrying  forward  the  triumphs  of 
the  Prince  of  Peace. 

The  gospel  has  not  only  been  preached,  but  it  has  been 
in  the  power  and  demonstration  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
Those  who  have  received  the  word  of  the  Lord,  have 
been  buried  with  Christ  in  baptism,  and  have  thus  openly 
confessed  him  in  the  midst  of  idolatry.  Churches  after 
the  primitive  order — churches  acknowledging  one  Lord, 
one  faith,  one  baptism — have  been  organized,  which  are 
walking  daily  after  the  Apostle's  doctrine  and  fellow- 
ship. Not  a  few  have  died  in  the  faith,  and  have  gone 
to  meet  their  redeeming  Lord  on  the  plains  of  celestial 
light  and  glory.  They  were  there  to  welcome  our  be- 
loved Rice,  as  one  of  the  chief  instruments  of  their  de- 
liverance from  the  bond  of  iniquity. 

These  have  been  some  of  the  glorious  results  of  that 
system,  which  was  commenced  and  sustained  by  the 
indefatigable  exertions  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir 
A  letter  addressed  to  him  by  Mr.  Wade,  who  has  been 
for  many  years  laboring  among  the  heathen,  will  refer 
to  some  of  the  details  of  this  happy  influence.  Before 
this  letter  reached  him,  he  had  gone  to  a  better  world. 
The  following  is  an  extract: 

"Tavoy,  April  18,  1836. 

"Very  Dear  Brother: — By  the  late  arrival  of  new 
missionaries,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  two  letters 
from  you — one  dated  September  7th,  and  the  other  June 
27th — both  in  1835;  for  which  I  feel  much  obliged  to 
you.  I  have  entertained  a  high  respect  and  much  af- 
fection for  you,  ever  since  our  interview  in  Hamilton, 
previous  to  my  first  coming  to  India;  and  feel  very 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  253 

happy  for  the  evidence  which  these  letters  afford,  that 
the  severe  trials  which  you  have  subsequently  endured 
are  coming  to  a  happy  termination.  I  trust  the  blessed 
God  designs  that  the  clouds  shall  all  disperse,  and  your 
setting  sun  shine  forth  with  as  much  brilliancy  as  when 
it  rose. 

"The  short  opportunity  which  Mrs.  W.  and  myself 
had  with  you  at  the  South,  particularly  at  brother 
Turpin's,  will  long  be  remembered  by  us  with  peculiar 
pleasure.  I  rejoice  to  hear  that  the  interest  of  the 
friends  of  Christ  at  the  South,  in  regard  to  the  mission- 
ary cause  is  increasing.  Sure  I  am,  could  they  see  what 
we  see,  and  know  what  we  know,  respecting  the  real 
condition  of  these  poor  heathen,  without  God  and  with- 
out hope  in  the  world,  arguments  would  not  be  neces- 
sary to  induce  them  to  feel  deep  compassion  towards 
them,  or  to  show  compassion  by  liberal  and  self-denying 
efforts  to  give  them  the  Bible,  and  furnish  them  with 
living  teachers  of  its  sacred  contents.  Could  they  look 
on  the  churches  raised  up  from  among  the  degraded 
heathen  in  this  land,  and  then  ask,  what  consideration 
would  make  them  willing  to  see  this  lovely  number  of 
God's  elect,  now  rejoicing  in  hope  of  eternal  salvation 
through  Jesu^s  Christ,  turned  back  at  once  to  all  the 
darkness  and  wretchedness  of  heathenism,  to  have  every 
ray  of  gospel  light  which  now  cheers  their  hearts  at  once 
extinguished?  I  am  sure  they  would  shrink  back  from 
the  thought,  and  exhort  us  earnestly  to  go  on  in  the 
prosecution  of  the  great  design  of  preaching  the  gospel 
to  every  creature. 

"In  our  excursions  among  the  Karens  east  of  Tavoj'', 
during  this  dry  season,  Mrs.  Wade  and  myself  had  the 
repeated  opportunity  of  sitting  down  at  the  table  of  our 


254  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

Lord,  with  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  communicants. 
I  could  not  contemplate  the  scene  without  thrilling  emo- 
tions of  gratitude  and  wonder,  while  contrasting  their 
present  condition  with  the  one  they  were  in  a  few  years 
ago.  These,  however,  were  only  a  part  of  the  converts 
even  at  the  Tavoy  station.  The  whole  number  amounts 
to  above  three  hundred  and  fifty.  During  the  tour  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  baptizing  forty-four;  and  brother 
Mason,  who  took  a  tour  at  the  same  time  among  the 
Karens,  south  of  Tavoy,  had  the  pleasure  of  baptizing 
forty-one.  At  a  later  period,  three  others  have  been 
baptized ;  many  have  asked  for  baptism,  who  have  been 
put  off  to  future  opportunity,  that  we  might  have  fur- 
ther acquaintance  with  them. 

"Towards  the  close  of  our  tour  among  the  Karens 
east  of  Tavoy,  we  held  a  protracted  meeting,  the  first 
which  has  ever  been  attempted  in  this  mission.  We 
undertook  it  as  an  untried  thing,  with  much  fear  and 
anxiety,  but  the  success  was  much  beyond  our  most 
sanguine  hopes.  We  saw  what  we  have  never  before 
seen  in  a  heathen  land — a  whole  assembly  melted  into 
tears  while  listening  to  preaching  and  exhortation.  A 
considerable  number  professed  to  obtain  a  hope  during 
the  meeting,  and  many  others  to  obtain  a  deeper  work 
of  grace  in  their  hearts  than  before,  though  they  had 
indulged  hope  for  some  time  previous." 

The  same  general  statement  may  be  made  respecting 
Mr.  Rice's  usefulness  in  the  denomination,  if  we  refer 
to  the  progress  of  ministerial  improvement.  Almost  all 
the  combined  efforts  of  our  churches,  in  this  particular, 
have  been  commenced  since  the  General  Convention  was 
organized.     Subsequent  to  that  period,  a  large  number 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  255 

of  flourishing  seminaries  of  learning  have  been  insti- 
tuted. It  is  true,  liis  influence  was  mainly  directed  to 
the  sustentation  of  the  Columbian  College,  but  it  was 
indirectly  felt  in  the  origination  of  others.  From  the 
time  that  he  first  became  convinced  of  the  importance 
of  denominational  effort,  this  object  was  brought  dis- 
tinctly before  the  churches  in  different  parts  of  the 
country.  In  almost  every  state,  the  Baptists  have  been 
roused  to  the  adoption  of  plans  for  the  diffusion  of  use- 
ful knowledge,  and  especially  for  the  improvement  of 
such  as  might  be  brought  into  the  work  of  the  gospel 
ministry.  Nor  is  it  saying  too  much,  that,  in  a  majority 
of  instances,  these  plans  might  be  traced  to  his  labours 
and  influence. 

It  is  known  that  some  of  his  brethren  were  inclined 
to  censure  Mr.  Rice  for  remaining  in  this  country,  after 
the  formation  of  the  Baptist  General  Convention.  When 
this  was  effected,  they  supposed  it  became  his  duty  to 
return  to  India,  there  to  spend  his  life  in  active  mis- 
sionary employment.  The  many  painful  vicissitudes 
suffered  by  the  Columbian  College  have  been  attributed 
to  the  divine  disapprobation  of  his  course  in  this  par- 
ticular. Though  in  many  respects  the  history  of  this 
institution  has  been  dark  and  discouraging,  it  does  not 
necessarily  follow  that  its  founder  could  be  charged  with 
dereliction  of  duty  in  determining  to  remain  in  this 
country.  There  is,  indeed,  ground  to  doubt  whether  it 
was  most  accordant  with  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom,  so  far  to  abstract  his  attention  from  tlie  mis- 
sion agency,  while  almost  his  entire  time  was  devoted 
to  the  college.  But  that  he  was  required  by  his  Heaven- 
ly Master  to  return  to  the  east,  is  not  so  clear.  Nothing 
is  more  certain  than  the  existence  of  a  purpose  in  his 


256  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

own  mind,  and  this  purpose  entertained  for  a  series  of 
years,  to  reenter  the  missionary  field.  In  his  letter  writ- 
ten to  Mr.  Judson,  and  by  frequent  declarations  made 
to  his  friends  in  person,  this  purpose  was  manifest.  It 
is  known,  too,  that  from  year  to  year,  the  Board,  and 
numerous  judicious  brethren,  encouraged  him  to  stay. 
In  the  progress  of  those  educational  plans  which  so  much 
engrossed  his  thoughts,  and  in  whose  successful  comple- 
tion he  took  so  lively  an  interest,  there  seemed  from  time 
to  time  an  indispensable  necessity  for  his  personal 
agency.  Thus  the  occupancy  of  the  foreign  field  was  at 
various  periods  postponed,  until  at  length  it  was  deemed 
by  all  most  expedient  that  he  should  abandon  the  idea. 

The  following  paper  contains  an  expression  of  his 
views  and  feelings  on  this  subject,  written  a  few  years 
after  he  arrived  in  this  country.  It  may  be  considered 
as  an  official  communication.    He  thus  writes : 

"Impressed  with  the  most  sacred  obligations  to  do 
every  thing  in  my  power  to  promote  the  cause  of  mis- 
sions : — apprised  that  representations  have  been,  and 
continue  to  be,  industriously  circulated,  as  false  as  they 
are  injurious  to  myself  and  the  mission,  in  their  design 
and  tendency ; — permit  me,  dear  sir,  in  order  to  counter- 
act the  mischievous  influence  of  these  representations,  to 
declare,  distinctly,  explicitly,  and  solemnly — to  declare, 
that  it  is  my  settled  intention  to  depart  from  the  United 
States  to  the  missionary  field,  as  soon  as  the  state  of 
things  here  shall  render  it,  or  allow  it  to  be,  in  my  view 
and  in  the  view  of  the  Board,  compatible  with  duty  for 
me  to  depart  from  this  country.  Permit  me  to  accom- 
pany this  declaration,  too,  with  the  sacred  assurance  that 
I  consider  my  life  as  religiously  devoted  to  the  mission- 
ary cause,  and  that  I  conceive  myself  to  be  no  more  at 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  257 

liberty  to  forsake  this  object,  than  at  liberty  to  forsake 
religion  itself." 

He  considered  his  "life  as  religiously  devoted  to  the 
missionary  cause,"  and  though  he  never  saw  the  time 
when  it  appeared  his  duty  to  engage  actually  in  mis- 
sionary labour,  all  his  exertions,  toilsome  and  self-deny- 
ing as  they  were,  still  continued  to  be  sacred  to  this  ob- 
ject. It  may  be  seen,  too,  in  the  disclosure  of  eternity,  that 
he  really  contributed  more  to  promote  the  spread  of  the 
gospel  by  his  labors  in  this  country,  than  he  could  have 
done  by  going  abroad.  And  though  there  was  a  partial 
failure  in  the  immediate  work  to  which  he  was  specially 
devoted,  it  may  be  ascertained  that  to  him,  more  than 
to  any  other  man,  are  the  Baptists  indebted  for  the 
origination  of  all  those  institutions  which  now  exists  in 
various  parts  of  our  land.  Much  has  been  accomplished 
by  his  detention,  not  only  in  promoting  sound  learning, 
and  elevating  the  standard  of  ministerial  improvement, 
but  in  rousing  the  minds  of  individuals  to  contemplate 
their  personal  responsibilities  to  the  heathen  world. 

A  short  time  before  his  death,  the  fact  was  made 
known  to  him,  that  under  his  influence  Mr.  Kincaid  was 
first  inclined  to  think  seriously  of  preaching  among  the 
heathen  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  This  is  but 
one  of  the  many  instances,  in  which  a  holy  impulse  was 
given  by  Mr.  Rice,  resulting  in  unspeakable  blessings 
to  the  world.  The  annunciation  of  the  fact  just  referred 
to,  is  contained  in  a  letter,  dated : 

"Ava,  February  12,  1835. 

"Very  Dear  Brother  : — I  have  been  exceedingly  grat- 
ified to  receive  a  letter  from  you,  dated  Augusta,  Ga,. 


258  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

April  24th,  1834,  and  also  a  copy  of  the  Religious  Herald. 
It  is  impossible  for  me  to  forget  the  first,  and  the  only 
time  I  have  ever  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you.  I 
heard  you  preach  three  times  in  the  course  of  twenty- 
four  hours,  on  the  subject  of  carrying  the  gospel  to  be- 
nighted India.  It  was  about  six  months  after  I  had  been 
brought  to  hope  in  Christ  Jesus,  the  sinner's  friend,  and 
though  I  had  felt  a  burning  desire  to  publish  the  gospel 
of  peace  to  a  ruined  world,  yet  I  had  never  thought  of 
the  hundreds  of  millions  that  were  sitting  in  darkness 
without  God,  and  without  hope.  Prom  that  day  onward, 
I  thought  of  the  heathen  world — an  impression  was 
made  which  time  could  not  efface,  and  I  began  to  pray 
for  pagans  of  every  land. 

"  In  a  short  time,  my  spirit  was  drawn  out  to  the  work 
of  bearing  the  news  of  eternal  life  to  the  poor  wretched 
heathen,  and  I  resolved,  if  Providence  should  ever  open 
the  way,  to  forsake  all,  and  go.  Again  and  again  I 
counted  the  cost,  but  on  the  whole,  felt  willing  to  make 
the  sacrifice.  I  will,  however,  now  confess  to  you,  that 
I  never  understood  really,  what  it  cost  to  be  a  missionary, 
I  did  feel  compassion  for  the  heathen,  but  I  did  not 
know  what  it  was  to  be  in  want  and  in  peril ;  what  it 
was  to  be  alone ;  what  it  was  to  be  opposed,  reviled,  and 
threatened.  No,  my  dear  brother,  I  did  not  know  what 
it  cost  to  be  faithful,  and  keep  on  the  side  of  Christ — 
to  undertake  to  stem  the  current,  let  what  will  come,  had 
never  been  presented  to  me  in  its  true  light;  but  God 
who  is  rich  in  mercy,  has  kept  us  from  falling,  and  to 
his  holy  name  be  the  glory. 

* '  Your  preaching,  which  first  led  me  to  think  of  being 
a  missionary  among  the  heathen,  is  as  fresh  in  my  mind, 
as  though  it  was  but  yesterday.    Never  can  I  forget  your 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  259 

exposition  of  this  passage,  'let  your  light  so  shine,'  &c. 
I  rejoice  to  learn  that  the  Columbian  College  is  in  a 
fair  way  to  rise.  I  do  trust  your  efforts  will  be  crowned 
with  success,  and  that  the  institution  will  prove  a  source 
of  immense  good  in  the  rapidly  growing  states  of  Amer- 
ica. The  churches  are  truly  coming  up  to  the  work  of 
the  Lord — the  armies  of  Israel  are  waking  from  a  long 
slumber,  and  we  must  expect  that  Satan  will  arm  him- 
self for  a  fierce  contest. 

' '  This  is  evidently  a  most  important  era  in  the  history 
of  the  church;  preparations  are  making  among  the 
friends  of  God  over  all  the  world,  for  some  great  work. 
What  industry,  what  oneness  of  purpose  is  every  where 
apparent,  and  above  all,  what  multitudes  are  thronging 
the  gates  of  Zion,  crying  out,  'what  shall  I  do  to  be 
saved?'  This  prophecy  is  being  fulfilled,  'the  mountain 
of  the  Lord's  house  shall  be  exalted — it  is  the  day  of 
the  Lord's  power.'  Before  you  receive  this,  you  will 
have  learned  that  dear  brother  Wade,  together  with  all 
the  new  missionaries,  have  reached  the  shores  of  Burmah. 
Brother  Judson,  and  all  the  rest  were  well  by  my  last 
letters. 

"During  the  past  year,  a  goodly  number  have  been 
baptized  in  the  provinces,  and  a  number  of  Karens  have 
embraced  the  cause  of  Christ  in  Rangoon.  I  am  not 
able  to  give  you  the  definite  number.  In  Ava,  during 
the  past  year,  I  have  given  away  between  twenty  and 
thirty  thousand  tracts,  and  portions  of  the  word  of  God ; 
and  the  gospel  has  been  preached  to  many  thousands, 
both  in  Ava,  Umerapora,  and  Saquire.  The  opposition 
of  the  government  has  occasionally  interrupted  our 
labours,  and  alarmed  the  people,  but  I  trust  some  seed 
sown  will  spring  up,  and  yield  a  precious  harvest  in 


260  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

time  to  come.  Pray  for  us,  that  we  may  do  some  little 
good.  Having  a  number  of  letters  to  write  on  short 
notice,  I  must  be  brief.  May  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
rest  upon  you,  and  upon  the  great  work  in  which  you 
are  engaged,  is  the  prayer  of  your  ever  affectionate, 

"E.  KiNCAID." 

An  interesting  communication  received  about  the  same 
time  from  Mr.  Judson,  will  present  his  views  respecting 
Mr.  Rice 's  conduct,  and  the  extent  of  his  usefulness : 

"Maulmein,  May  9,  1835. 

"Dear  Brother  Rice: — Your  very  interesting  letters 
of  April,  last  year,  accompanying  a  file  of  the  Religious 
Herald,  reached  me  in  December,  on  the  return  of 
brother  and  sister  Wade.  I  am  interested  in  all  your 
efforts,  and  the  success  that  crowns  them.  I  doubt  not 
that  the  Columbian  College  will  be  an  honour  to  the 
country,  and  especially  to  the  Baptist  cause,  an  instru- 
ment in  the  hand  of  God,  by  which  he  will  diffuse  the 
glory  and  extend  the  reign  of  his  Son.  In  your  former 
connection  with  the  board,  and  your  subsequent  devotion 
to  the  college,  you  have  doubtless  committed  some  mis- 
takes, and  been  betrayed  into  some  sins;  but  the  unjust 
reproaches  with  which  you  have  been  so  liberally  visited, 
are  in  my  opinion  disproportionate  to  the  errors  charged 
to  your  account. 

"I  confidently  expect  that  a  reaction  will  take  place; 
and  that  when  temporary  and  local  excitements  shall 
pass  away,  your  name  will  be  enrolled  among  the  bene- 
factors of  our  country,  and  of  that  denomination  into 
which  we  are  ingrafted  together.     The  praise  of  man 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  261 

however,  is  not  the  boon  for  which  we  strive.  Our  mark 
is  higher,  our  crown  incorruptible.  And  let  us  have 
faith  to  believe  that  we  shall  assuredly  obtain.  0  glorious 
prospect  to  be  owned  of  the  Saviour,  and  to  be  wel- 
comed to  seats  of  immortal  glory! 

"You  give  me  some  reasons  to  hope,  that  the  Religious 
Herald  will  continue  to  be  sent  me;  if  so  I  shall  feel 
very  grateful.  The  Christian  Watchman  is  now  the  only 
paper  with  which  I  am  regularly  furnished. 

"Let  me  hear  from  you  as  often  as  possible.  I  re- 
main, dear  brother  Rice, 

"Yours  most  affectionately, 

"A.    JUDSON." 

In  adverting  to  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Rice  in  the  denomi- 
nation, it  will  not  be  just  to  omit  the  fact  that  for  many 
years  the  project  of  supplying  the  spiritual  destitution 
of  our  own  country  occupied  much  of  his  thoughts. 
While  he  had  succeeded  in  bringing  about  the  establish- 
ment of  missions  among  the  Indian  tribes,  he  desired  to 
see  a  system  of  itinerant  labour  in  different  parts  of  the 
states,  in  successful  operation.  At  the  meeting  of  the 
board  in  1821,  the  subject  was  discussed  and  a  commit- 
tee appointed  of  which  he  was  chairman.  The  follow- 
ing report  prepared  by  him,  was  adopted  by  the  board : 

"The  committee  on  the  subject  of  a  system  of  domes- 
tic missionary  operations  report : 

"That,  from  the  attention  they  have  been  able  to  be- 
stow upon  the  subject,  they  feel  persuaded  that  an  en- 
larged system  of  domestic  missionary  operations  is 
needed,  and  would  be  greatly  conducive  to  the  promo- 
tion of  the  objects  of  the  General  Convention, 


262  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"Their  view  is,  that  such  persons  only  should  be  em- 
ployed in  this  service,  whose  character  and  talents  would 
command  general  attention  and  respect,  and  whose  zeal 
should  be  fervent ;  and  that  such  should  be  commissioned 
to  travel  and  preach,  under  the  leading  idea  of  domestic 
missionaries,  for  the  benefit  of  the  churches,  and  of  the 
community.  That,  connected  with  a  primary  attention 
to  the  business  of  preaching  and  promoting  the  welfare 
of  the  churches  and  of  the  community,  they  should  be 
instructed  to  visit  associations,  and  endeavour  to  give 
them  correct  and  favorable  views  on  the  subject  of  mis- 
sions, and  of  the  general  plan  of  education  adopted  by 
the  convention — to  obtain  funds  by  public  collections  at 
meetings,  or  otherwise,  for  missionary  purposes — to 
originate  and  encourage  missionary  and  education  socie- 
ties, female  mite  and  charitable  societies,  &c.  &c.  and 
solicit  subscriptions  and  donations,  as  circumstances 
might  render  proper  for  the  various  purposes  of  the 
convention. 

"A  system  of  this  kind,  it  is  believed,  well  conducted, 
would  be  calculated  to  revive  many  languishing  churches, 
and  originate  new  ones — would  tend  to  produce  harmony 
and  good  understanding  throughout  the  whole  denomi- 
nation, and  to  strengthen  and  cement  the  bands  of  love 
and  union  of  the  body — would  be  in  no  small  degree 
efficient  in  supplying  resources  to  the  Board  of  Man- 
agers of  the  Convention — and  would  more  than  support 
itself  by  the  public  general  collections  for  missionary 
purposes. 

"Under  these  impressions  the  committee  respectfully 
submit  the  following  resolutions: 

"1.  That  domestic  missionaries  be  appointed,  pur- 
suant to  the  system  recommended  in  the  above  men- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  263 

tioned  report,  in  such  parts  of  the  country  as  can  be 
supplied  by  suitable  characters. 

"2.  That  instructions,  conformably  to  the  foregoing 
suggestions  be  made  out  and  printed,  duly  signed  by 
one  of  the  vice-presidents,  the  president  not  being  pres- 
ent, and  by  the  corresponding  secretary. 

"3.  That  the  agent  of  the  Board  be  instructed  to  fur- 
nish each  of  said  missionaries  with  a  suitable  subscrip- 
tion book. 

"4.  That  the  agent  of  the  Board,  with  the  concur- 
rence of  the  corresponding  secretary,  and  the  presi- 
dent, or  one  of  the  vice-presidents,  as  above-mentioned, 
agree  with  said  missionaries  for  their  compensation,  vary- 
ing according  to  circumstances;  but  in  no  case  to  ex- 
ceed the  amount  of  their  public  general  collections  for 
missionary  purposes.     These  resolutions  were  adopted." 

One  of  the  most  interesting  aspects  in  which  the  use- 
fulness of  Mr.  Rice  is  to  be  regarded,  consists  in  the 
waking  up,  or  rather  calling  into  more  vigorous  exercise, 
the  benevolent  principles  of  the  gospel.  These  principles 
are  possessed,  more  or  less,  by  every  Christian.  The 
selfish  feelings  of  depraved  human  nature,  if  not  entirely 
extirpated  from  the  bosom,  are  brought  into  subjection. 
An  ascendency  is  gained  by  those  sentiments  and 
tempers,  which  are  produced  by  the  divine  Spirit  when 
he  slieds  abroad  in  the  heart  the  love  of  Christ.  While 
such  are  the  characteristics  of  every  true  disciple,  there 
may  be  circumstances,  favorable  or  unfavorable  to  the 
development  and  improvement  of  the  fruits  of  the  spirit. 
Before  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Rice,  the  Baptist  denomina- 
tion had  contributed  comparatively  little  pecuniary  aid 
for  the  extension  of  the  gospel,  either  at  home  or  abroad. 
This  was  the  fact  also,  in  relation  to  the  other  sects  of 


264  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

professing  Christians.  Such  a  state  of  things  could  not 
be  regarded  as  the  result  of  unwillingness,  but  the  want 
of  opportunity.  The  churches  had  never  been  taught 
their  duty  in  this  respect.  The  woes  of  a  fallen  world 
had  not  been  brought  distinctly  before  their  eyes,  and 
the  obligation  to  employ  all  their  resources  for  the  sal- 
vation of  others,  pressed  upon  their  attention.  They 
were,  therefore,  unaccustomed  to  the  luxury  of  doing 
good  on  an  extended  scale.  But  when  the  subject  of 
this  memoir  passed  through  our  land,  and  gave  utterance 
to  the  benevolent  impulse  which  animated  his  bosom, 
when  constrained  by  love  to  Christ,  and  love  to  souls, 
he  expatiated  on  the  guilt  and  sorrows  of  those  who 
hasten  after  another  god,  and  implored  aid  on  their  be- 
half, he  touched  a  chord  which  vibrated  on  many  hearts. 
To  his  unutterable  joy,  he  found  he  was  addressing  those 
who  had  been  baptized  into  the  same  spirit.  They  lis- 
tened to  his  appeals,  approved  his  plans,  and  were  ready 
to  co-operate  with  him  in  their  execution.  From  the 
slumber  in  which  they  had  been  enwrapped,  they  started 
up,  and  with  eager  hearts  they  cried,  "Lord,  what  wilt 
thou  have  us  to  do."  With  efficiency  they  began  to 
labour  for  the  conversion  of  a  world.  They  counselled 
with  each  other,  contributed  of  their  substance,  and 
sought  by  earnest  prayer,  the  divine  direction  and  bless- 
ing. Thus,  the  benevolent  principle  being  brought  into 
exercise,  it  has  continued  to  expand  and  strengthen, 
while  numerous  plans  for  the  good  of  the  world  have 
been  brought  into  successful  operation.  Instead  of  being 
satisfied  with  the  mere  selfish  desire  of  personal  com- 
fort here,  and  salvation  hereafter — the  churches  have 
found  active  employment,  as  instruments  of  extending 
the  empire  of  the  Son  of  God.     Not  hiding  their  light 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  265 

under  a  bushel,  they  have  been  active  in  holding  it 
forth,  and  in  blessing  others,  have  been  themselves 
doubly  blessed.  In  this  respect,  an  invaluable  good  has 
been  conferred  on  the  denomination,  and  if  Mr.  Rice's 
labours  had  resulted  in  nothing  more,  he  would  have 
found  in  this  alone,  an  ample  recompense.  It  was  often 
to  his  mind  an  occasion  of  joyful  thanksgiving  to  God, 
that  this  holy,  active  benevolence,  was  so  generally  mani- 
fest among  the  churches;  and  especially,  when  he  wit- 
nessed the  internal  prosperity  and  rapid  growth  of  those 
churches,  which  were  most  remarkable  for  this  spirit. 

It  should  be  stated  also,  that  by  these  endeavours,  the 
churches  of  the  United  States  became  more  intimately 
acquainted  with  each  other.  Previously,  little  inter- 
course had  been  enjoyed,  but  being  brought  together  to 
consult  on  the  great  objects  connected  with  the  spread 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  a  bond  was  created,  which 
united  them  together  in  holy  and  endeared  fellowship. 
It  was  one  of  the  strongest  desires  of  ]\Ir.  Rice,  to  see 
those  who  held  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism,  joined 
in  one  great  phalanx,  bringing  their  concentrated  forces 
to  bear  against  the  powers  of  darkness.  Writing  to  the 
corresponding  secretary  of  the  convention,  he  says : 

"It  gives  me  pleasure  to  mention  here,  the  interest- 
ing occasion  on  Avliich  you,  sir,  were  also  present  in 
Richmond,  at  the  formation  of  the  Baptist  Convention 
for  the  state  of  Virginia.  These  state  conventions,  it  is 
believed,  at  no  distant  day,  will  bring  the  whole  Baptist 
denomination  in  this  country,  into  combined,  harmoni- 
ous, and  powerful  action.  I  am  persuaded  that  pious 
people  are  ever  ready  to  come  up  to  the  help  of  the  Lord 
against  the  mighty,  when  proper  measures  are  adopted 
to  bring  them  forward,  and  to  put  them  into  motion. 


266  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

This  persuasion  is  amply  sustained  by  the  result  of  the 
efforts  of  the  standing  committee  in  and  about  Bos- 
ton." 

How  far  his  influence  was  felt,  may  be  determined 
by  the  fact,  that  as  early  as  1815,  he  was  elected  to  the 
presidency  of  Transylvania  University,  at  Lexington, 
Kentucky,  which  appointment  he  thought  proper  to  de- 
cline. In  1832,  he  was  appointed  president  of  the 
Georgetown  College,  in  the  same  state,  which  invitation 
was  also  negatived.  These  flattering  offers  were  not 
sufficient  to  tempt  him  from  the  toilsome  and  unthank- 
ful office  of  collecting  funds  for  the  mission  and  col- 
lege. His  own  ease  and  aggrandizement,  he  sought  not, 
but  the  good  of  the  churches,  and  the  interests  of  a 
fallen  world.  Had  he  chosen  to  do  so  at  various  times, 
he  might  have  retired  from  the  agency,  and  permanent- 
ly located  in  some  comfortable  position,  where,  with 
honour  to  himself,  and  profit  to  others,  he  could  have 
spent  his  days.  But  the  great  objects  for  whose  ac- 
complishment he  had  consecrated  his  life,  he  was  un- 
willing to  abandon. 

A  correspondent  of  the  Christian  Watchman,  a  short 
time  after  his  death,  writes: 

"The  Baptist  church,  in  Lynn,  Mass.,  now  consists 
of  one  hundred  and  ninety-three  members,  and  is 
efficient  in  its  labours  of  love.  It  has  also  a  large  and 
prosperous  society.  In  1814  or  1815,  Mr.  Rice  in  one  of 
his  journeys  for  the  benefit  of  the  foreign  mission,  called 
at  this  place,  where  he  found  three  or  four  Baptist 
families.  At  that  time,  they  had  no  public  meetings  es- 
tablished for  religious  worship.  Mr.  Rice  inquired 
whether  it  was  not  their  duty  to  establish  lectures  by 
Baptist  ministers,  weekly  or  semi-monthly,  offering  at 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  267 

the  same  time,  if  they  would  open  their  doors  for  this 
purpose,  to  go  and  engage  the  ministers  of  Boston,  and 
other  places  to  supply  them.  To  this  they  agreed,  and 
Mr.  Rice  went  immediately  and  induced  Messrs.  Bald- 
win, Sharp,  Chaplin,  Bolles,  and  others,  to  engage  in 
this  service. 

"This  lecture  was  regularly  maintained  for  two 
years,  and  part  of  the  time,  once  a  week.  During  this 
period,  there  was  a  revival  of  religion ;  several  persons 
were  baptized,  and  a  church  constituted  in  1816,  which, 
through  the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  has  thus 
become  a  large  and  prosperous  Christian  community." 


CHAPTER  XV 

Reflections — Reference  to  Mr.  Rice's  Natural  Aciiteness 
of  Mind — Power  of  Argumentatiofi — Confidence  in 
His  Own  Powers — Decision — Ability  to  Meet  Great 
Emergencies— Defects — Dependence  on  Supernat- 
ural Influence — Humility — Self -Denial — Disinter- 
estedness— Spirit  of  Forgiveness — Letter — Anec- 
dotes— Concern  for  the  Divine  Honour — Testimony 
of  Mr.  Judson. 

The  distinguished  elevation  to  which  some  of  the  great 
men  of  the  earth  have  been  brought,  is  to  be  attributed 
to  a  combination  of  favourable  circumstances,  without 
which,  they  would  have  remained  in  utter  obscurity ; 
"alike  unknowing  and  unknown."  In  their  character, 
none  of  the  essential  elements  of  true  greatness  were 
concentrated.  In  most  cases,  however,  it  will  be  found 
that  those  who  have  become  celebrated  in  any  depart- 
ment of  life's  busy  scenes,  owe  their  distinction  to  some 
peculiar  endowments  of  nature,  which  circumstances 
may  liave  developed  and  matured. 

Who  will  say  that  the  lawgiver  of  Israel  was  not 
highly  gifted  in  those  qualities  of  mind  and  heart,  which 
prepared  him  in  an  eminent  degree,  for  the  station  he 
filled?  Was  not  the  son  of  Jesse,  by  his  strength  of 
intellect,  his  courage  and  address,  peculiarly  fitted  to 
preside  over  the  nation  whose  history  occupies  so  much 
of  the  sacred  page.  From  the  numberless  instances  of 
this  kind,  may  be  selected  the  distinguished  emperor 
of  the  French.  The  indications  of  his  greatness  were 
not  alone  evinced,  when  by  his  deeds  all  Europe  was 

[268] 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  269 

struck  with  terror,  and  the  world  with  amazement.  Even 
in  boyhood,  those  traits  of  character  were  discovered 
which  made  him  what  he  was.  Or,  if  we  turn  to  a 
less  brilliant,  but  more  lovely  spectacle  of  true  great- 
ness, the  celebrated  doctor  William  Carey,  the  same  fact 
is  apparent.  His  almost  unprecedented  aptitude  for  ac- 
quiring language,  and  his  indomitable  perseverance, 
were  as  natural  as  they  were  remarkable. 

This  train  of  thought  is  suggested,  in  sketching  the 
intellectual  and  moral  character  of  the  subject  of  this 
biography.  In  many  important  particulars,  he  %vas 
naturally  an  extraordinary  man.  He  possessed  a  high 
order  of  mind;  it  was  alike  comprehensive  and  discrimi- 
nating. While  pursuing  a  course  of  study,  he  always 
gave  the  preference  to  those  branches  which  demanded 
close  and  thorough  investigation — such  as  language  and 
mathematics.  This  was  indicative  of  the  peculiar  cast 
of  his  mind.  Unlike  too  many  who  obtain  celebrity  in 
the  world,  he  thought  for  himself.  He  did  not  follow 
the  beaten  track,  simply  because  it  had  been  trodden  by 
others.  His  conceptions  were  remarkable  in  a  high  de- 
gree, not  only  for  originality,  but  distinctness.  The 
acuteness  of  his  powers  of  investigation  was  always 
manifest  in  those  effusions  of  his  pen,  which  were  of  a 
polemic  character.  By  a  single  glance  he  seemed  to  look 
through  the  subject,  comprehending  all  its  relations  and 
bearings.  In  the  arrangement  of  his  arguments,  he  was 
skilful  and  perspicuous. 

The  discussion  of  what  has  been  familiarly  termed 
the  Abrahamic  covenant,  and  which,  a  few  years  since, 
was  more  frequently  the  subject  of  disputation  than  at 
present,  was  entered  upon  by  him  with  much  spirit,  and 


270  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

conducted  in  a  manner  highly  creditable  to  his  powers 
of  reasoning.  On  several  important  occasions,  when  en- 
gaged in  debate,  the  native  vigor  of  his  mind  was  ex- 
hibited by  the  forcible  and  masterly  manner  in  which 
he  confronted  his  opponents,  and  defended  his  own  po- 
sitions; and  when  in  the  pulpit  he  deemed  it  necessary 
to  controvert  any  erroneous  sentiment,  or  to  maintain 
an  important  doctrinal  truth,  this  same  energy  of 
thought  was  developed. 

Connected  with  these  observations,  reference  may  be 
made  to  a  very  remarkable  characteristic  of  Mr.  Rice. 
It  consisted  in  an  unwavering  confidence  in  his  own 
powers  of  mind.  If  he  fixed  his  eye  on  any  attainable 
object,  and  determined  to  reach  it,  he  scarcely  allowed 
himself  to  entertain  a  doubt  of  success.  He  was  very 
little  in  the  habit  of  consulting  probabilities.  With  a 
giant  hand,  he  laid  hold  of  the  various  instruments  by 
which  his  purposes  were  to  be  effected,  feeling  secure  in 
the  native  energy  with  which  he  was  endowed.  This 
striking  peculiarity  in  his  mental  constitution  was 
evinced  from  early  childhood  to  the  end  of  life. 

The  reader  will  remember  the  circumstances  under 
which  he  was  employed  by  the  Board  of  Commissioners, 
as  their  missionary  to  the  east.  Not  one  in  a  thousand 
would  have  consented  to  go  forth  upon  such  conditions; 
most  would  have  considered  the  difficulties  insurmount- 
able. Not  so  with  Mr.  Rice :  he  had  confidence  in  his 
ability  to  comply  with  the  terms,  and  betook  himself  to  a 
work  as  unpleasant  as  it  was  arduous. 

It  was  this  decision  of  character  that  led  him  on, 
despite  of  all  obstructions,  in  the  course  of  useful  labour 
which  marked  his  history.     "When  he  returned  to  this 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  271 

country,"  said  Doctor  Going,  "and  entered  on  a  course 
of  efforts  to  sustain  foreign  missions,  the  enterprise  was 
new  to  our  people,  and  they  were  without  the  lights 
of  experience.  All  turned  their  eyes  to  Mr.  Rice  as  a 
kind  of  oracle,  and  his  opinions  were  almost,  of  course, 
adopted.  And  as  he  became  acquainted  with  those  with 
whom  he  was  associated,  it  is  not  improbable  that  he 
perceived,  that  generally,  however  ardently  attached  to 
the  cause  of  missions,  they  would  not  add  much  to  him 
in  conference,  and,  of  course,  that  he  must  consult  him- 
self chiefly,  in  order  to  accomplish  the  object  before  him 
Besides — he  met  with  no  small  measure  of  opposition 
from  many  who  should  have  strengthened  his  hands  and 
aided  his  efforts,  and  opposition  tends  greatly  to 
strengthen  the  decided  character.  And  again,  he  at 
length  found  himself  deserted  by  many  who  had  stricken 
hands  with  him,  and  from  whom  he  seemed  to  have  a 
right  to  expect  better  things;  and  desertion,  too,  more 
than  almost  any  other  thing,  seems  to  strengthen  such 
a  mind,  though  it  may  break  down  one  which  is  nat- 
urally feeble  and  irresolute. 

"We  have  proof  of  this  trait  in  his  character,  not 
only  in  his  enterprise  of  awakening  the  denomination  to 
missionary  effort,  and  his  perseverance  in  efforts  to  ac- 
complish it  amid  discouragements,  but  especially  in  the 
pertinacity  with  which  he  clung  to  the  college  when  it 
was  nearly  deserted  by  its  friends,  and  apparently  sink- 
ing under  its  misfortunes.  And  an  illustration  of  it  is  af- 
forded in  an  incident  which  occurred  in  1832.  While  at 
Providence,  R.  I.,  Mr.  Rice  had  a  slight  paralytical  af- 
fection, and  was  informed  by  the  attending  physician, 
that  he  would  probably  be  soon  visited  by  a  recurrence 


272  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

of  the  shock,  which  would  terminate  his  life.  A  friend 
asked  him  if  he  was  ready  to  die. — To  the  inquiry,  he 
replied,  'Yes  though  I  should  like  to  bring  up  the  col- 
lege first.'  " 

His  capacities  for  meeting  great  emergencies,  re- 
ferred to  in  the  preceding  extract,  was  one  of  the  best 
evidences  of  his  intellectual  power.  There  were  periods 
in  his  history,  when  he  seemd  ready  to  be  crushed  be- 
neath an  accumulation  of  care  and  trial,  but  even  then 
he  stood  erect,  and  with  manly  fortitude  sustained  it  all. 
Though  the  dark  cloud  might  spread  over  his  horizon, 
and  the  tempest  itself  beat  upon  his  head,  he  still  re- 
mained undismayed.  He  was  always  buoyant,  and  full 
of  hope.  His  brother  said  of  him :  ' '  Luther  always 
looked  for  prosperity,  and  he  always  expected  that  to- 
morrow would  not  only  be  a  fair  day,  but  a  little  fairer 
than  today." 

These  were  his  prominent  mental  qualities.  In  full, 
we  may  say  in  the  language  of  Doctor  Chaplin,  that  *'he 
possessed  powers  which  would  have  enabled  him  to  shine 
in  any  of  the  orbits  in  which  great  men  choose  to  move. 
He  might  have  distinguished  himself  in  arms,  or,  had 
he  given  himself  up  to  literary  and  scientific  pursuits, 
he  might  have  ranked  with  the  first  scholars  of  the  age. 
But  he  took  a  different  course:  he  gave  up  the  world, 
he  renounced  his  private  interest,  and  devoted  himself 
to  the  highest  interest  of  his  species. ' ' 

The  peculiar  structure  of  his  mind,  was  in  some  re- 
spects the  occasion  of  habits  which  could  not  be  justi- 
fied by  his  most  partial  friends.  His  independence  and 
self-confidence  urged  him  too  often  to  the  pursuance  of 
plans,  which  were  not  well  judged,  and  which  probably 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  273 

would  not  have  been  adopted,  had  he  previously  con- 
ferred with  others.  And,  when  his  schemes  had  par- 
tially failed,  and  he  was  advised  to  abandon  them,  a 
degree  of  adherence,  amounting  to  obstinacy  was  in- 
dulged. Had  he  in  some  things  been  less  confident  in 
his  own  judgment,  he  would  most  probably  have  avoided 
some  of  the  trials,  through  which  he  passed.  Thus  the 
very  excellencies  of  men,  may  become  the  most  vulner- 
able points  in  their  character,  and  what  constitutes  the 
means  of  their  elevation,  may  become  the  sources  of 
anxiety  and  pain. 

It  has  been  already  stated,  that  Mr.  Rice  was  prone  at 
one  period  of  his  life,  to  undue  levity.  This  was  doubt- 
less an  extreme  to  which  he  was  led,  by  the  natural 
vivacity  of  his  disposition,  looking  as  he  delighted  to  do 
on  the  bright  side  of  things,  and  changing  every  day  the 
scenes  he  witnessed,  and  the  circle  of  friends  in  which 
he  moved,  there  was  danger  of  yielding  to  such  a  habit. 
He  afterwards  not  onl}^  deplored,  but  rectified  it. 

From  what  has  been  said  respecting  the  strong  re- 
liance he  exercised  on  his  own  ability  to  execute  what- 
ever he  deemed  important  to  be  done,  it  must  not  be 
understood  that  he  failed  to  recognize  his  dependence 
on  supernatural  aid.  This  would  be  doing  great  in- 
justice to  his  character.  Perhaps  no  man  entertained  a 
deeper  sense  of  the  utter  inutility  of  human  efforts,  with- 
out the  divine  blessing !  Not  only  was  this  indicated  by 
discourses  from  the  pulpit,  but  in  all  his  intercourse  with 
his  brethren.  Nor  was  it  to  be  regarded  as  a  mere  opin- 
ion, it  was  an  enduring  sentiment,  deeply  engraved  upon 
his  heart.  While  no  opposition  from  man  could  daunt, 
or  impediments  deter  him  in  his  onward  progress,  he 


274  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

maintained  an  humble  sense  of  his  feebleness,  if  for- 
saken of  God. 

He  was  ready,  in  the  prosecution  of  his  schemes,  to 
adopt  as  his  motto :  '  *  I  can  do  all  things ' ' ;  but  he  never 
forgot  to  add,  "through  Christ  which  strengtheneth 
me."  How  much  he  felt  the  need  of  heavenly  influence 
in  the  accomplishment  of  his  schemes,  was  manifest  in 
the  habitual  exercise  of  the  spirit  of  prayer.  What 
ardent  supplications  did  he  send  up  to  the  throne  on 
behalf  of  the  Columbian  College,  The  mission  cause 
too,  how  constantly  did  he  remember  it  in  prayer.  Said 
a  Christian  brother,  "He  prayed  in  my  family,  and 
that  prayer  I  shall  not  forget.  Every  one  in  the  house 
was  named,  and  all  the  churches  of  the  state,  all  minis- 
ters, schools,  and  colleges,  and  especially,  the  Columbian 
College;  all  mission  stations,  and  the  missionaries — the 
city  of  Washington,  all  our  cities;  our  nation,  and  the 
world."  The  feelings  of  his  soul  were  poured  forth 
in  a  gushing  tide,  while  with  reverence  and  humility,  he 
held  audience  with  the  Divine  Majesty. 

With  all  the  superior  intellectual  power  of  Mr.  Rice, 
he  was  an  humble  man.  He  knew  how  to  condescend 
to  men  of  low  estate.  In  his  more  familiar  association 
with  the  pious,  he  gave  the  most  decided  evidence  of  a 
lowly  spirit.  At  some  times,  in  conducting  his  agency, 
there  appeared  in  his  manner,  a  degree  of  sternness,  and 
at  others,  an  undue  lightness,  which  left  rather  an  un- 
favourable impression  on  those  who  did  not  know  him 
well.  This  was  a  consequence  resulting  almost  neces- 
sarily from  his  daily  employments.  But  when  these 
were  laid  aside,  and  with  a  Christian  brother,  or  in  a 
circle  of  pious  friends,  he  could  engage  in  free  conversa- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  275 

tion,  his  serious,  humble,  and  affectionate  manner,  were 
observed  by  all.  When  he  could  thus  freely  unbosom 
himself,  the  evidence  of  deep,  experimental  piety  was 
not  wanting.    Then  his  conversation  was  truly  edifying. 

The  whole  history  of  his  life,  as  recorded  in  the  pre- 
ceding pages,  presents  a  rare  exemplification  of  self- 
denial  and  disinterestedness.  Had  he  desired  to  pro- 
mote his  own  fame,  or  mere  worldly  interest,  the  means 
were  ample  and  at  hand.  But  he  sought  no  places  of  dis- 
tinction, and  coveted  not  the  honour  which  cometh  from 
man.  His  own  ease  was  never  consulted.  A  sacrifice 
was  made  of  most  of  those  enjoyments  which  might  have 
been  lawfully  retained. 

It  was  thought  by  some,  that  he  did  not  sufficiently 
regard  his  comfort  and  personal  appearance.  In  numer- 
ous instances,  when  donations  were  made  to  purchase 
some  article  of  clothing  which  he  seemed  to  need,  in- 
stead of  applying  them  to  this  purpose,  they  were  used 
to  meet  the  pressing  necessities  of  the  college.  He  literal- 
ly lived  not  unto  himself.  His  was  that  noble  expansive- 
ness  of  benevolence  which  includes  in  its  operations  the 
entire  world.  To  make  the  race  of  man  better  and  more 
happy,  was  the  great  object  for  which  he  desired  to  live. 

On  a  certain  occasion,  he  was  heard  to  express  unaf- 
fected pity  for  an  individual,  who,  with  much  toil  and 
economy,  had  amassed  a  fortune,  and  who,  without  em- 
ploying it  for  useful  purposes,  was  eager  to  accumulate 
still  more  and  more.  Such  a  spirit  is  as  grovelling  as 
it  is  sinful.  How  much  more  dignified  and  worthy  an 
immortal  mind — that  sympathizing  tenderness  which 
weeps  over  the  sorrows  of  fallen  humanity,  and  desires 
to  relieve.    That  spirit. 


276  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

**  Which  lays  its  own  advantage  by 
To  seek  a  neighbor's  good." 

This  was  the  spirit  of  Luther  Rice.  Few  have  been 
under  its  influence  to  a  greater  extent. 

His  friend  and  brother,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Meredith,  ob- 
serves respecting  his  disinterestedness: 

"If  much  is  due  to  the  deceased  for  the  value  of  his 
services,  no  less  is  due  him  for  the  great  personal  sacri- 
fices, at  which  those  services  were  rendered.  "We  make 
the  assertion  without  the  fear  of  contradiction,  that  there 
is  not  a  man  in  the  country  who  has  endured  more  per- 
sonal hardships,  who  has  made  more  personal  sacrifices, 
or  who  has  cared  less  for  his  own  interest  than  Luther 
Rice.  Possessed  of  talents  and  attainments  of  the  first 
order,  which  would  have  commanded  for  him  the  high- 
est and  most  lucrative  stations  in  our  churches  or  col- 
leges, and  in  disregard  of  offers  repeatedly  made  to  him 
to  that  effect — while  others  were  indulging  themselves 
in  the  comforts  of  domestic  life,  and  reaping  the  social 
and  intellectual  advantages  of  a  permanent  charge,  this 
devoted  man  was  toiling  through  winter's  cold  and 
summer's  heat,  by  day  and  by  night,  in  health  and  in 
sickness — sometimes  for  scanty  wages,  and  sometimes  for 
none  at  all — for  the  sake  of  promoting  the  cause  he  had 
so  much  at  heart. 

"For  more  than  twenty  years  has  he  been  thus  em- 
ployed. The  prime,  we  may  say  the  whole  of  his  life, 
has  been  thus  devoted.  Like  his  blessed  Master,  he  has 
been  without  a  home,  and  without  a  place  to  lay  his 
head,  except  that  afforded  by  the  hand  of  charity  or  of 
personal  friendship.    He  has  died  as  he  lived,  compara- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  277 

tively  among  strangers.  The  kind  and  soothing  atten- 
tions of  wife  and  children,  the  usual  alleviations  of  the 
dying-  couch,  were  consolations  which  he  never  knew. 
No  tear  of  kindred  affection  bedewed  his  grave.  And 
his  only  effects — 'his  horse  and  sulkey,  and  baggage,' 
in  his  own  dying  words,  'belonged  to  the  college  in 
Washington  City.'  " 

The  following  is  from  the  pen  of  Doctor  Going,  of 
Granville  College,  Ohio. 

"He  was  eminently  disinterested.  For  twelve  years 
he  laboured  incessantly  and  laboriously  for  the  small  pit- 
tance of  $400  per  annum,  beyond  his  travelling  expenses. 
We  doubt  whether  there  was  an  individual  in  the  United 
States  who  endured  so  much  exposure,  who  travelled  so 
extensively,  and  who  at  the  same  time  preached  so  much ; 
and  we  doubt  also,  whether  there  are  more  than  a  very 
few,  who  could  endure  so  much.  To  meet  the  wants  of 
the  college,  he  eventually  relinquished  all  these  small 
savings,  together  with  some  $2,000  or  $3,000  which  he 
inherited  as  a  patrimony ;  so  that  in  1826,  he  was  without 
a  cent  in  the  world.  From  that  time  till  his  death,  he 
travelled  almost  constantly  to  preach  and  collect  for  the 
college,  without  the  least  support  from  the  college,  or 
salary  from  any  other  institution.  Indeed,  we  believe 
that  he,  in  a  great  measure,  defrayed  his  travelling  ex- 
penses from  the  sale  of  a  few  religious  books,  while 
the  balance  was  borne  by  individual  friends,  who  also 
furnished  him  with  his  wearing  apparel." 

Frequent  allusion  has  been  made  in  these  pages  to 
the  opposition,  which,  from  various  sources,  he  was 
compelled  to  meet.  By  an  ungodly  world,  he  was  often 
persecuted,  and  his  name  cast  out  as  evil.     From  some 


278  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

also  who  ought  to  have  manifested  a  better  spirit  he 
suffered  very  unkind  treatment.  His  conduct  on  these 
occasions,  was  firm  and  dignified. 

It  was  not  easy  to  drive  him  from  any  ground  which 
he  thought  proper  to  occupy;  and  in  some  instances,  he 
doubtless,  was  unduly  tenacious  in  preferring  his  own 
plans,  and  adhering  to  them,  notwithstanding  the  re- 
monstrances of  many  very  judicious  friends.  Perhaps 
too,  in  meeting  such  remonstrances,  or  the  opposition  of 
foes,  he  might  have  been  betrayed  into  an  unwarrantable 
severity  of  style.  But  he  was  not  accustomed  to  indulge 
in  rancorous  abuse,  or  to  cherish  the  spirit  of  resent- 
ment. His  soul  was  too  large,  and  too  much  influenced 
by  the  generous  principles  of  the  gospel,  to  allow  a  lodg- 
ment for  the  lower  and  baser  feelings  of  our  nature. 

Often  did  he  bear  in  silence  the  most  vindictive  abuse. 
When  any  thing  of  this  kind  was  noticed  it  was  only 
when  he  considered  it  essential  to  the  vindication  of 
truth  and  righteousness,  as  identified  with  his  own  char- 
acter. "So  far  as  I  am  personally  concerned,"  he  re- 
marks to  a  friend,  in  regard  to  some  charges  alleged 
against  him,  ' '  they  can  give  me  but  little  uneasiness,  *  for 
the  Lord  is  a  God  of  knowledge,  and  by  him  actions  are 
weighted.'  Of  the  Saviour,  if  I  recollect,  they  said, 
'nay,  but  he  deceiveth  people,'  and  accounted  him  a 
Sabbath  breaker,  and  encourager  of  publicans  and  sin- 
ners. 

"The  apostles,  I  think  Paul  intimates,  were  regarded 
as  deceivers,  and  yet  true,  that  he  himself,  with  others, 
was  'slanderously  reported,'  and  so  on.  I  have  not 
time,  and  if  I  had,  have  not,  I  hope,  through  the  rich 
and  precious  grace  of  God,  the  disposition  to  trace  these 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  279 

things,  or  the  smallest  wish  to  inculpate  any  one.  Lately, 
for  which  I  desire  abundantly  and  humbly  to  glorify 
God,  our  Father,  and  our  Saviour,  I  have  had  a  most 
sweet  and  happy  state  of  mind,  in  relation  to  any  and 
all  that  have  ever  injured  me,  or  wished  me  harm.  0 ! 
that  is  a  saying  of  our  dear  Redeemer,  of  inexpressible 
sweetness:  'Forgive,  and  ye  shall  be  forgiven.'  And 
I  now  read  with  emotions  of  peculiar  delight,  the  in- 
junctions of  the  blessed  Jesus:  'Love  your  enemies — 
do  good  to  them  that  hate  you — bless  them  that  curse 
you,  and  pray  for  them  that  despitefuUy  use  you.'  " 

Writing  to  another  brother,  to  whom  he  made  ac- 
knowledgments in  regard  to  some  unpleasant  differences 
which  existed  between  them,  he  says:  "The  third  day 
of  last  month — a  day  never  to  be  forgotten  by  me — it 
pleased  the  Father  of  mercies,  as  I  humbly  trust,  as  I 
was  pursuing  my  solitary  journey,  and  thinking  over 
past  occurrences,  to  remove  from  my  bosom,  distinctly, 
all  corrosiveness  and  unpleasantness  of  feeling,  in  rela- 
tion to  persons  with  whom  I  ever  had  any  differences, 
or  who  had  ever  done  me  wrong,  or  who  I  supposed  had 
so  done.  I  felt  that  I  could  cordially  take  any  of  them 
by  the  hand,  and,  without  any  concession  or  apology 
on  their  part,  indulge  towards  them  the  kindest  feelings, 
and  sincerely  rejoice  in  their  welfare. 

"This  exercise  gave  me  new  and  most  sweet  and 
happy  views  of  such  passages  as  this:  'Love  j^our  ene- 
mies; bless  them  that  curse  you;  do  good  to  them  that 
hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  that  despitefuUy  use  you.' 
And  a  most  particular  sweetness  appeared  in  this  pas- 
sage: 'Forgive,  and  ye  shall  be  forgiven.'  And  blessed 
be  God,  the  exercise  of  this  nature,  which  arose  thus  dis- 


280  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

tinctly  in  my  mind  that  day,  seems  to  have  become  the 
settled  habit  of  my  mind  and  heart,  and  I  would  not 
part  with  it  for  ten  thousand  worlds!" 

A  circumstance,  evincing  his  forbearance  in  the 
sufferance  of  injury,  occurred  not  very  long  after  his 
return  to  this  country.  Having  been  requested  by  a 
lady  of  highly  respectable  connections,  to  baptize  her, 
although  it  was  ascertained  not  to  be  agreeable  to  the 
wishes  of  many  of  her  particular  friends,  he  deter- 
mined without  hesitation  to  discharge  his  duty. 

A  few  hours  after  the  solemn  rite  had  been  performed, 
a  gentleman,  to  him  then  unknown,  but  who  proved  to 
be  the  lady's  brother,  came  to  the  house  where  he  was, 
and  requested  to  see  him.  Having  walked  to  the  door, 
the  stranger  intimated  that  he  had  some  business  with 
him,  and  proposed  to  him  to  walk  a  few  steps.  He 
turned  to  find  his  hat,  but  the  stranger  remarked  that  it 
was  unnecessary,  and  they  proceeded  together  a  few 
paces  in  the  street.  He  was  asked,  whether  he  was  the 
individual  who  had  baptized  his  sister.  A  prompt  affirma- 
tive reply  was  given,  when  a  violent  assault  was  com- 
menced on  his  person.  He  meekly  received  it,  without 
any  resistance,  and  commenced  slowly  walking  back  to 
the  door,  his  assailant  repeating  the  blows  until  he  had 
reached  the  steps.  Turning  round  on  the  persecutor, 
who  had  almost  spent  his  strength  with  exertion  and 
rage,  he  looked  upon  him  with  the  placid  countenance  of 
a  lamb,  and  mildly  said,  '  *  May  the  best  of  heaven 's  bless- 
ings rest  upon  you."  The  young  man,  mortified  and 
ashamed,  hastened  from  the  place.  To  some  of  his  com- 
panions he  declared  his  chagrin,  that  resistance  had  not 
been  offered.  A  severe  personal  chastisement  would  have 
been  preferred  to  this  imperturbable  gentleness. 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  281 

At  another  time,  in  one  of  his  sermons,  he  had  so  of- 
fended a  man  who  was  present  in  the  congregation,  that 
he  was  threatened  with  summary  vengeance.  Before  the 
people  dispersed,  the  enraged  individual  met  him,  and 
said,  "I  will  take  your  life  before  you  leave  the  neigh- 
borhood." His  countenance  was  unchanged,  and  in  the 
most  dignified,  yet  calm  manner,  he  simply  replied,  "I 
hope  not." 

Among  the  most  distinguishing  traits  in  the  character 
of  Mr.  Rice,  was  his  deep  concern  for  the  promotion  of 
the  divine  honour.  Love  to  God  was  a  deep  and  pre- 
vailing passion  of  his  soul,  and  he  seemed  constantly 
desirous  of  glorifying  him.  "There  was  much  truth," 
said  a  Christain  minister,  "in  a  remark  in  a  late  num- 
ber of  the  Herald,  relative  to  the  character  of  our  de- 
ceased brother  Rice.  The  remark  to  which  I  allude  is 
the  following:  'He  loved  the  souls  of  men,  and  there- 
fore sought  their  salvation;  but  it  was  mainly  because 
he  saw  in  the  recovery  of  sinners  the  exhibition  of  God's 
glory,  that  he  so  ardently  longed  for  their  salvation.' 

"This  trait  in  his  character  served  as  the  foundation 
for  yet  another.  He  possessed  a  quick  discernment  of 
the  various  bearings,  and  the  relative  importance  of  the 
different  efforts  in  which  the  church  of  Christ  is  en- 
gaged, with  the  view  of  diffusing  the  blessings  of  salva- 
tion, and  a  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God;  and  was 
scruptdously  exact  in  giving  to  each  object  the  particu- 
lar attention  ivhich  its  relative  importance  demanded. 
To  this  power  of  discrimination,  and  this  just  distribu- 
tion of  his  care  and  attention  to  the  various  objects  pre- 
sented before  him,  may  be  attributed  much  of  his  exten- 
sive usefulness.  No  man,  perhaps,  felt  more  sincere 
rejoicing  at  the  conversion  of  a  sinner,  than  he  did ;  yet 


282  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

he  never  suffered  the  interest  excited,  in  any  particular 
case,  to  abstract  his  attention  from  the  great  plans  of 
benevolence  which  have  been  adopted,  to  promote  the 
general  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  It  may 
justly  be  doubted,  whether  he  ever  contemplated  the 
conversion  of  a  solitary  soul,  without  contemplating,  at 
the  same  time,  the  influence  it  was  likely  to  produce,  in 
favouring  the  conversion  of  the  world." 

In  reply  to  inquiries  made  of  him,  Mr.  Judson  thus 
writes  respecting  Mr.  Rice :  * '  You  ask  me  to  give  some 
account  of  his  intellectual,  moral,  and  religious  char- 
acter; but  as  my  personal  acquaintance  with  him  termi- 
nated almost  twenty  years  ago,  I  do  not  feel  so  compe- 
tent to  do  this,  as  many  others  who  have  known  him  in 
subsequent  years.  My  views  of  his  character,  however, 
most  perfectly  coincide  with  those  presented  in  the  his- 
tory of  the  Columbian  College,  in  the  fifth  number  of 
the  Christian  Review,  to  which  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you. 
I  would  only  add,  that  I  have  ever  considered  him  to 
be  a  faithful  warm-hearted  friend,  and  a  most  devoted 
Christian.  Notwithstanding  the  various  reports  which 
have  been  circulated  about  him,  I  have  never  enter- 
tained the  slightest  doubt  of  his  moral  integrity.  I  sub- 
join the  following  extract  from  his  last  letter  to  me, 
dated  June  2th,  1836. 

"  'My  health  became  much  reduced  last  fall  and  win- 
ter, but  is  now,  through  divine  mercy,  quite  restored. 
My  strength  is  not,  however,  what  it  was  fifteen  or 
twenty  years  ago.  I  am  now  past  fifty-three  years  of  age, 
and  feel  the  effects  of  time  and  toil,  in  the  diminution  of 
energy  and  vigor;  but  I  hope  that  my  powers  will  not 
quite  decay,  till  I  shall  have  the  happiness  of  seeing  the 
prosperity  of  tlie  Columbian  College — till  from  that  in- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  283 

stitution  some  laborers  shall  have  gone  forth  into  some 
part  of  the  heathen  world,  to  preach  among  the  Gen- 
tiles the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ. 

"  'Should  my  life  and  health  be  preserved,  I  expect 
to  continue  constantly  travelling,  as  heretofore,  for  about 
two  years  to  come.  After  that,  I  hope  the  Lord  will  pro- 
vide for  my  becoming  somewhat  stationary,  and  allow 
me  to  rest  a  little,  before  I  go  hence,  and  be  no  more 
on  earth.  But  in  reference  to  this,  as  in  all  things  else, 
I  wish  ever  to  be  able  devoutly  to  say,  the  will  of 
the  Lord  be  done !  0,  for  a  constant,  lively,  effectual 
sense  of  the  divine  presence  and  glory !  0,  for  a  heart 
truly  conformed  to  that  excellent  basis  of  duty  and 
happiness — to  glorify  God  and  enjoy  him  forever!'  " 


CHAPTER  XVI 

Religious  Sentiments  of  Mr.  Rice — His  Views  of  the  Im- 
portance of  Truth — Depravity  of  Human  Nature — 
Influence  of  the  Spirit — Divine  Sovereignty — Prac- 
tical Tendency  of  These  Doctrines — Human  Respon- 
sibility— Ministerial  Faithfulness — Close  Commu- 
nion— Importance  of  Well-Writteii  Biographies. 

In  closing  a  review  of  the  life  and  labours  of  the  la- 
mented Rice,  the  reader  v^ill  doubtless  be  gratified  with 
a  brief  reference  to  his  religious  sentiments.  This  is  the 
more  desirable,  inasmuch  as  there  is  danger  of  regarding 
too  lightly,  the  particular  tenets  which  a  man  may  enter- 
tain. The  latitudinous  idea,  that  it  is  of  no  importance 
what  opinions  are  held,  provided  the  facts  of  the  gos- 
pel are  believed,  or,  provided  the  life  is  externally  moral, 
is  unscriptural  and  absurd.  And  yet  this  idea  is  widely 
prevalent.  Although  there  are  many  things  contained 
in  the  divine  word,  which  at  first  cannot  be  apprehended 
by  the  Christian,  and  indeed,  many  truths  that  will  give 
exercise  to  prayerful  investigation  among  the  most  ex- 
perienced disciples,  it  is  nevertheless  clear,  that  certain 
great  fundamental  doctrines  necessarily  lie  at  the  foun- 
dation of  experimental  and  practical  religion.  Nor  is 
any  doctrine  or  truth  a  matter  of  little  importance ; 
whether  immediately  connected  with  salvation,  or  more 
remotely,  it  deserves  to  be  studied  and  understood.  To 
know  what  God  has  taught  in  his  own  word,  and  to  make 
his  instructions  our  delight — "a  light  to  our  feet,  and 
a  lamp  to  our  path,"  is  alike  right  and  safe. 

[284] 


MEMOIR  OV  REV.  UITTIEI?  RICE  285 

IIow  important  it  is  to  be  rooted  and  grounded  in  the 
truth — to  be  established  and  built  up  in  our  most  holy 
faith,  may  be  determined  by  adverting  to  the  history 
of  the  church  in  every  age.  No  period  has  been  exempt 
from  the  influence  of  error.  Like  a  desolating  tide,  it 
has  sometimes  threatened  to  undermine  the  foundations 
of  Christian  hope,  and  to  sweep  over  the  church  of  God, 
leaving  only  the  ruins  of  its  former  greatness  and  glory. 
Unseriptural  sentiments  find  a  ready  response  in  the 
decisions  of  an  unsanctified  heart.  "Men  love  darkness 
rather  than  light,  because  their  deeds  are  evil."  This 
is  the  reason  why  error  is  so  rife  and  rampant ;  and  fur- 
nishes an  impressive  argument  for  the  daily  and  prayer- 
ful perusal  of  the  sacred  Scriptures. 

A  clear  and  profound  knowledge  of  divine  truth,  was, 
in  the  estimation  of  Mr.  Rice,  unspeakably  important. 
Contemplating  the  relation  which  exists  between  the 
views  and  experience  of  a  true  Christian,  he  thus  writes, 
in  a  familiar  style,  to  a  pious  friend : 

"A  point  in  the  great  economy  of  salvation,  which 
has  recently  occupied  my  thoughts,  it  may  not,  perhaps, 
be  entirely  uninteresting  to  you  to  employ  a  few  lines 
upon,  in  the  filling  up  of  a  few  moments,  devoted  to  the 
grateful,  sacred  service  of  sincere  friendship.  That  point 
is  contained  in  the  following  question :  Whether  both 
the  experience,  and  the  sentiments  previously  enter- 
tained by  a  child  of  grace  in  passing  from  death  unto  life, 
have  not  a  reciprocal  bearing  upon  one  another,  and 
enter  into,  so  as  to  modify,  and  give  form  to  the  re- 
ligious sentiments  and  views  of  doctrine,  subsequently 
embraced  and  held  by  the  individual  ? 

' '  As  far  as  I  can  make  up  any  definite  judgment  upon 
this  subject,  by  a  recurrence  to  my  own  experience,  or 


286  MEMOIR  OF  EEV.  LUTHER  RICE 

by  observations  made  upon  what  is  manifested  by  others, 
such  is  the  fact.  The  exercises  of  mind  and  heart  at 
this  important  period,  are  acted  upon,  and  moulded  by 
the  sentiments  previously  adopted;  and  the  sentiments 
thus  previouslj^  adopted,  impart  more  or  less  of  the  char- 
acteristic modification  and  development  of  those  exer- 
cises; while  both  together,  contribute  to  the  formation 
and  distinctive  character  of  the  doctrinal  views  subse- 
quently adopted. 

"This  view  of  the  case  too,  it  seems  to  me,  affords 
one  useful  consideration ;  that  is,  it  suggests  a  satisfac- 
tory reason,  at  least  in  some  degree,  for  the  apparent 
diversities  that  occur  in  the  religious  experiences  of 
persons,  and  in  the  views  of  Christian  doctrine  to  which 
they  will  ultimately  adhere.  These  ultimate  diversities, 
no  doubt,  are  greatly  widened  by  other  circumstances, 
yet  all  traceable  to  the  same  primary  and  pervading 
principle.  It  also  suggests  very  forcibly,  the  importance 
of  having  correct  ideas  in  the  stamp  first  impressed  upon 
the  mind." 

The  reader  has  already  perceived,  that  when  first  in- 
terested on  the  subject  of  religion,  Mr.  Rice  was  deeply 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  his  criminality  as  a  trans- 
gressor of  the  law  of  God.  Throughout  future  life,  he 
maintained  the  sentiment,  not  only  that  man  had  aposta- 
tized, but  that  his  guilt  was  wilful,  and  beyond  ex- 
pression, malignant.  The  due  apprehension  of  this  truth 
by  the  sinner,  he  considered  as  intimately  connected  with 
just  views  of  other  essential  doctrines,  and  with  the  for- 
mation of  an  elevated  Christian  character.  Writing  on 
this  subject,  and  recommending  to  his  correspondent 
great  caution  in  communicating  instruction  to  others,  he 
remarks : 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  287 

"What  you  observe  relative  to  Mrs.  C.  pleases  me 
much.  I  see  nothing  particularly  faulty  in  your  con- 
versation with  her — to  the  real  convert,  comfort  is  to  be 
administered — to  the  unrenewed  sinner,  continuing 
such,  whatever  be  his  situation  in  other  respects,  noth- 
ing but  terror  can  be  presented.  'Say  ye  to  the  right- 
eous, it  shall  be  well  with  them.  Woe  to  the  wicked, 
it  shall  be  ill  with  him.  Not  to  distress  any  really 
humble  soul,  nor  to  encourage  unwarrantably  and  dan- 
gerously, any  unconverted  person,  requires  a  skill  and 
wisdom  which  can  only  result  from  divine  teaching.  How 
awfully  solemn  and  momentous  is  the  charge  of  souls? 
'Who  is  sufficient  for  these  things?' 

"Skill  in  these  things  is  only  to  be  gained  by  prayer, 
and  close,  humble  waiting  upon  God.  The  most  impor- 
tant things  are  exceedingly  plain  in  the  Bilbe;  but  to 
apply  them  wisely  and  judiciously,  can  only  result  from 
the  teachings  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  Hence,  the  importance 
of  diligently  studying  the  sacred  Scriptures,  and  of 
ardently  plying  the  throne  of  Almighty  grace,  in  hum- 
ble, incessant  prayer. 

"It  is  highly  important  that  persons  be  made  sensible 
of  the  deep,  total,  and  awful  depravity  of  the  heart,  and 
of  their  infinite  criminality  before  God.  'The  plague 
of  the  heart'  lies  deep,  and  till  it  be  discovered,  there 
is  no  prospect  of  a  saving  application  to  Christ.  The 
person  must  become  all  over  leprous  (Lev.  xiii:  13), 
that  he  may  be  pronounced  clean;  they  must  receive  a 
sentence  of  death  in  themselves,  before  they  will  trust 
in  God  wlio  raises  the  dead.  In  fine,  when  they  perceive 
themselves  to  be  lost,  they  are  prepared  to  receive  the 
aid  of  a  Saviour. 


288  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

"In  forming  an  opinion  of  a  person's  religious  state, 
I  am  anxious  to  know  first,  whether  they  have  had  this 
proper  sense  of  their  own  sinfulness  and  guilt!  and 
secondly,  whether  their  love  to  Christ  mostly  regards 
him  or  themselves!  whether  they  love  him  because  he  is 
holy,  or  only  because  they  think  he  intends  to  save 
them. ' ' 

While  he  thus  beheld  man  as  a  depraved  being,  from 
whose  heart  God  had  been  expelled,  he  not  only  believed 
in  the  necessity  of  an  entire  revolution  of  moral  char- 
acter, but  that  this  change  must  be  effected  by  the  sancti- 
fying influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  truth.  He  delighted  to  honour  this  agent 
as  the  author  of  all  spiritual  life.  The  same  may  be 
remarked  respecting  his  views  of  the  atonement.  Man's 
guilt  and  condemnation  he  considered  as  utterly  beyond 
the  possibility  of  removal,  excepting  through  the  media- 
tion of  the  Son  of  God,  who  died  for  sinners,  and  rose 
again  for  their  justification.  Christ,  and  him  crucified, 
was  a  theme  upon  which  he  delighted  to  meditate.  He 
gloried  only  in  the  cross  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

He  was  a  decided  believer  in  the  doctrine  of  divine 
sovereignty.  God  was  contemplated  as  working  all 
things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.  It  was  to  him 
a  truth  full  of  interest,  that  those  who  are  recognized 
as  the  heirs  of  eternal  life,  have  been  called  according 
to  God's  "eternal  purpose,  which  he  purposed  in  Christ 
Jesus,  before  the  world  began."  That  "whom  he  did 
foreknow,  he  also  did  predestinate,  to  be  conformed  to 
the  image  of  his  son;  and  whom  he  did  predestinate, 
them  he  also  called,  and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also 
glorified." — This  doctrine,  so  fully  taught  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, he  often  referred  to  as  furnishing  in  his  own  expe- 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  289 

rience  an  occasion  of  deep  humility  and  grateful  praise. 
Referring  to  the  subject,  in  a  letter,  to  a  friend,  he  ob- 
serves : 

"This  you  are  aware  is  not  only  an  item  in  my  creed, 
but  enters  into  the  very  ground-work  of  the  hope  of  im- 
mortality and  glory,  that  has  become  established  in  my 
bosom ;  and  constitutes  the  basis  of  the  submission  and 
joyfulness  found  in  my  religious  experience.  Unless  it 
were  possible,  which  it  is  not,  for  God  to  make  some  mis- 
take as  to  what  it  is  best  should  be  developed  in  the 
system  adopted  and  pursued  by  him !  Why  should  it 
not  be  the  very  joy  of  our  bosoms,  that  he  'has  fore- 
ordained whatsoever  comes  to  pass'!  What  can  real 
benevolence  desire,  but  that  every  thing  should  'come  to 
pass/  in  the  wisest  and  best  manner?  to  the  wisest  and 
best  ultimate  end?  Could  not  an  infinitely  wise  and 
good  God  ordain  every  thing  to  come  to  pass  in  this 
very  way,  and  to  this  very  end?  Such,  too,  being  the 
fact,  is  it  not  evidently  the  duty  and  happiness  of  every 
one  to  give  up  himself  in  absolute  submission  to  the  will 
of  God;  and  to  be  pleased  that  all  things  are  at  the 
disposal  and  under  the  control  of  this  infinitely  wise 
and  good  Being. 

"Nor  is  this  at  all  incompatible  with  all  those  exlior- 
tations  to  watchfulness  and  diligence ;  admonitions  to 
beware  of  any  of  the  least  departures  from  the  right 
ways  of  the  Lord,  and  encouragements  to  walk  circum- 
spectly to  redeem  the  time;  to  follow  holiness,  which 
abound  in  the  sacred  Scriptures.  If  my  recollection 
rightly  informs  me,  you  once  suggested  in  conversation, 
that  our  happiness  depends  very  much  on  ourselves. 
This,  in  perfect  harmony  too,  in  my  apprehension,  witli 
the  full  conviction,  that  all  things  are  of  God,  that  of 


290  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

him,  and  through  him,  and  to  him,  are  all  things;  whose 
we  are,  and  whose  are  all  our  ways;  and  who  worketh 
all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will;  is  most  un- 
equivocally in  my  judgment,  correct. 

"And  it  clearly  follows,  it  appears  to  me,  that,  in 
securing  our  happiness,  a  main  and  leading  object  must 
be,  to  form  correct  views  of  God,  and  of  the  system  of 
truth  contained  in  the  holy  Scriptures.  To  this  end, 
nothing  is  more  important  than  a  dutiful  child-like  dis- 
position. *//  any  man  will  do  his  will,  HE  SHALL 
KNOW  OF  THE  DOCTRINE.'  To  obtain  correct 
views  of  truth,  humility,  an  obedient  heart,  and  sincere 
and  fervent  prayer  are  of  essential  importance,  and  will 
insure  success.  If  these  are  neglected,  the  fault  must  be 
our  own;  the  failure  in  the  case  will  be  fairly,  however 
sadly,  imputable  to  ourselves.  In  reference,  then,  to 
the  solemn  and  exceedingly  important  fact,  of  possessing 
a  stable  and  permanent  basis  of  peace,  of  hope,  and  of 
ample  consolation,  which  can  be  found  in  correct  views 
of  the  truth  of  God,  in  the  very  sense  of  your  remark ; 
it  depends  upon  ourselves;  and  should  therefore  call 
forth  our  serious  attention,  and  diligent  effort. 

"But  in  addition  to  a  correct  and  enlarged  view  of 
the  truth  of  God,  systematically  apprehended  as  ascer- 
tained in  the  sacred  Scriptures,  to  the  attainment  of 
which  a  right  state  of  heart  is  so  exceedingly  important, 
it  is  also  exceedingly  important  to  our  daily  practical 
comfort,  to  be  decided  and  prompt  in  the  path  of  duty 
and  holiness.  I  am  persuaded  that  we  lose  much 
through  hesitancy  and  indecision.  'If  ye  love  me,  keep 
my  commandments,'  said  the  precious  Redeemer. 

"This  allows  not  of  indecision — ^but  requires  prompt- 
ness and  ready  action.     Is  it  not,  therefore,  necessary, 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LTTTHER  RTCE  291 

that  our  minds  be  made  up  definitely  as  to  the  line  of 
conduct  to  be  pursued,  touching  the  main  occasions  of 
business,  conversations,  and  incidents  of  daily  occur- 
rence ;  and  when  so  made  up,  that  we  follow  out  prompt- 
ly, and  without  question,  the  dictates  of  duty  through  all 
the  particulars?  Is  it  not  also  necessary,  that  our  opin- 
ions should  be  definitely  formed,  on  the  points  of  obli- 
gation incident  to  the  circumstances  in  which  we  are 
placed,  and  that  we  should  act  decisively,  and  without 
hesitation,  in  accordance  with  those  opinions? 

*'I  am  persuaded  that  M^e  lose  much,  very  much,  of 
the  comforts  in  religion,  which  we  might  otherwise  en- 
joy, by  our  very  negligence  in  these  respects.  To  be 
decided  Christians — to  live  for  heaven  daily,  hourly — 
to  be  constant,  and  undeviating,  and  prompt  in  the  path 
of  duty — to  keep  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards 
God  and  towards  man;  this,  this  is  the  way,  I  doubt  not, 
to  let  our  light  shine  to  glorify  God,  to  enjoy  comfort 
ourselves,  and  to  do  good  to  others.  If  we  fail  of  this, 
the  fault  must  be  our  own.  By  sincere  watchfulness,  by 
serious  and  attentive  consideration,  by  earnest  prayer, 
and  by  careful  circumspection  and  diligence,  this  ele- 
vated and  happy  condition  may  undoubtedly  be  at- 
tained. 

"God  grant  that  while  I  write  these  things — hoping 
they  may  prove  acceptable,  and  perhaps  in  some  degree, 
even  beneficial  to  you — my  own  course,  and  conduct, 
and  conversation,  may  be,  by  the  effectual  operation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  in  view  of  these  things,  modified  more 
and  more  by  the  stamp  of  truth  and  goodness:  'What- 
soever things  are  triie,  whatsoever  things  are  honesty 
whatsoever  things  are  just,  whatsoever  things  are  lovely, 
whatsoever  things  are  of  good  report.'     May  I  be  as- 


292  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

sisted  by  the  grace  and  good  spirit  of  the  Lord,  ever- 
more to  'think  on  these  things.'  How  happy,  how  im- 
pressively excellent,  must  be  the  character  that  is  modi- 
fied, and  moulded,  and  constantly  governed,  by  the  en- 
lightening and  purifying  influence  of  'the  glorious 
gospel  of  the  Messed  God.'  " 

From  the  above  extract,  it  will  be  perceived  that  he 
did  not  hold  the  truth  in  unrighteousness.  The  doctrine 
of  divine  decrees  has  often,  in  various  respects,  suffered 
injury.  By  its  enemies,  it  has  been  caricatured.  Pre- 
sented in  a  distorted  shape,  and  arrayed  in  tattered  gar- 
ments, its  true  loveliness  has  been  concealed  from  the 
eye.  All  have  turned  away  from  the  sight  with  disgust. 
By  some  of  its  avowed  friends,  also,  it  has  been  much 
abused;  its  legitimate  tendencies,  if  not  misunderstood, 
have  been  unfelt. 

While  the  truth  that  believers  are  chosen  in  Christ 
from  the  foundation  of  the  world  has  been  maintained, 
they  seem  to  have  forgotten  the  practical  design,  that 
they  might  be  holy,  and  without  blame  before  him  in 
love.  What  God  has  joined  together  they  have  put 
asunder.  In  an  eminent  degree  did  the  subject  of  this 
biography  delight  to  contemplate  the  harmony  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  their  practical  influence  in  promoting 
the  good  of  men  and  the  glory  of  God. 

In  another  communication,  he  thus  refers  to  this  doc- 
trine : 

"How  many  proofs  have  we  of  the  truth  of  what 
God  says:  'That  he  will  work,  and  none  shall  let  it.' 
The  conduct  of  his  providence  is  wonderful;  it  evinces 
his  sovereignty  and  his  inscrutable  wisdom,  as  well  as 
his  boundless  benevolence.  In  one  place,  we  may  behold 
the  people  deeply  anxious  about  eternal  concerns,  while 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  293 

the  inhabitants  of  neighboring  places  are  wrapt  up  in 
careless,  profound  stupidity.  Here  a  faithful  minister 
of  Christ  preaches  the  gospel  with  clearness  and  energy, 
but  apparently  without  success,  or,  at  least,  with  very 
partial  and  limited  effect;  there,  the  people  become 
anxious,  even  where  the  gospel  is  not  preached  in  purity, 
or  where  the  minister  himself  is  opposed  to  an  awaken- 
ing. 

"Here  we  may  observe  a  minister  of  superior  talents, 
and  of  apparently  superior  piety,  diligence,  and  fidelity, 
but  still  his  preaching  seems  to  be  most  only  a  saviour 
of  death  unto  death;  while  there,  again,  we  may  see  a 
man  of  scanty  abilities  blest  with  effusions  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  among  the  people  of  his  charge,  and  is  instrumen- 
tal, apparently,  in  the  hand  of  God,  to  the  conversion  of 
many  souls. 

''What  but  the  glorious  sovereignty  of  Jehovah  does 
all  this  evince?  He  will  send  by  the  hand  of  whom  he 
will  send.  'He  will  have  mercy  on  whom  he  will  have 
mercy,  and  whom  he  will  he  hardeneth.'  He  will  bless 
his  faithful  servant,  to  whom  he  has  committed  only 
scanty  abilities,  rather  than  the  man  of  eminent  endow- 
ments, lest  his  hand  should  be  overlooked,  and  the  at- 
tention be  directed  to  the  creature,  instead  of  the  Crea- 
tor. Gideon's  army  must  be  lessened  from  many  thou- 
sands to  a  mere  handful — to  only  three  hundred  ! — lest 
Israel  should  vaunt  themselves,  and  attribute  their  suc- 
cess and  victory  to  the  force  of  numbers,  rather  than 
the  power  and  agency  of  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

"How  absurd  it  is,  therefore,  to  contend  against  the 
doctrine  of  election,  or  decrees,  or  divine  sovereignty. 
Let  us  not,  however,  become  bitter  against  those  who  view 
this  matter  in  a  different  light,   nor  treat  them  in  a 


294  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

supercilious  manner;  rather  let  us  be  gentle  towards  all 
men.  For  who  has  made  us  to  differ  from  what  we  once 
were?  Who  has  removed  the  scales  from  our  eyes?  Or 
who  has  disposed  us  to  embrace  the  truth  ? 

' '  Why  are  not  we  sunk  in  fatal  error  ?  Why  not  like 
alas!  too  many  of  our  friends  and  relatives,  replying 
against  God,  rejecting  his  mercy,  despising  his  truth, 
neglecting  the  Saviour,  or  stupidly  unsolicitous  about 
the  welfare  of  our  immortal  souls?  *0h!  to  grace  how 
great  a  debtor?'  Let  us  be  humble,  not  only  in  view  of 
past  wickedness,  but  of  daily  sins,  and  short-comings  in 
duty — and  let  us  have  pity  on  our  fellow-creatures; 
surely  we  cannot  be  indifferent  to  their  awfully  perilous 
situation — let  us  pray  for  them;  and  as  opportunity 
offers,  warn  them  of  their  danger,  and  plead  with  them 
by  the  pains  and  mercies  of  our  dying,  reigning  Saviour, 
to  come  unto  him  that  they  may  have  life. ' ' 

That  the  responsibilities  of  men  are  not  affected  by 
the  purposes  of  God,  Mr.  Rice  most  sincerely  believed, 
and  on  this  particular  topic,  he  very  interestingly  ex- 
patiates in  another  communication.  "An  observation 
you  make,  that  under  God  our  happiness  depends  on 
ourselves,  appears  to  me  important  and  valuable.  In 
perfect  accordance  with  this  sentiment,  is  that  impressive 
exhortation  of  the  Apostle  Jude :  '  But  ye,  beloved,  huild- 
ing  up  yourselves  on  your  most  holy  faith,  praying  in  the 
Holy  Ghost,  keep  yourselves  in  the  love  of  God,  looking 
for  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  unto  eternal 
life.' 

''This  is  a  precept  of  superior  excellence.  It  con- 
nects itself  with  results,  and  the  contemplation  of  pros- 
pects of  the  most  powerful  interest,  of  amazing  majesty 
and  sweetness.    It  dwells  much  upon  my  mind ;  I  trust  it 


MEMOIR  OP  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  295 

dwells  with  divine  influence  upon  my  heart.  "Would 
to  God  I  might  possess  and  manifest,  more  and  more  of 
the  real  savour  of  godliness  it  is  so  well  calculated  to 
inspire. 

**Now  the  meditating  on  such  a  passage,  the  bringing 
of  it  frequently  within  the  hearty,  deliberate,  and  cher- 
ished contemplations  of  the  mind,  depends  very  much  on 
ourselves ;  on  our  own  proper  option — ^the  effect  too,  can- 
not fail  of  being  seen  in  the  life,  and  state  of  the  heart. 

' '  Indeed,  this  train  of  thought  suggests  the  very  seri- 
ous and  weighty  responsibilities  of  every  day,  and  of 
every  hour;  in  fact,  of  every  moment!  To  possess  the 
lively  impress  of  such  passages  as  the  one  referred  to, 
and  which  depends  so  very  much  upon  ourselves,  the 
proper  action  of  our  own  minds  and  hearts  at  our  own 
option,  in  the  case,  is  obviously  the  way  to  be  happy. 
It  is  the  way  to  feel  that  deep  and  lively  interest  in 
divine  things  in  the  cause  of  God,  which  is  so  evidently 
the  very  basis  and  material  of  our  best  enjoyments ;  the 
very  way  to  realize  the  truth,  and  the  inexpressible 
sweetness  of  the  sentiment  in  the  answer  to  the  first 
question,  in  that  admirable  catechism  referred  to  in 
my  former  letter:  To  glorify  God  and  enjoy  him  for 
ever!' 

"And  this  we  cannot  but  see  is  in  perfect  agreement 
with  that  solemn  declaration  of  the  Apostle  Paul,  that 
'to  he  carnally  minded  is  death,  hut  to  he  spiritually 
minded  is  life  and  peace.'  When  such  is  the  condition 
of  the  heart,  it  will  be  unavoidably  manifested  in  the 
deportment;  for  'out  of  the  ahundance  of  the  heart  the 
mouth  speaketh';  this  then  is  the  way,  both  to  glorify 
and  enjoy  God,  and  to  do  good  to  our  fellow  sinners, 
the  way,  the  very  way,  and  the  only  way  to  fulfil  the 


296  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

very  serious  and  grave  responsibilities  of  our  relation 
to  those  around  us.  When  the  real  life  and  spirituality 
of  true  religion  thus  abound  in  the  heart,  so  unavoid- 
ably as  it  then  cannot  but  do,  to  manifest  itself  in  the 
temper  and  conversation,  it  cannot  fail  to  make  a  bene- 
ficial impression  on  all  around;  an  impression  of  the 
truth,  excellence,  and  importance  of  real  godliness." 

While  these  great  doctrines  of  the  divine  word  were 
highly  regarded  by  Mr.  Rice  on  account  of  their  practi- 
cal importance,  and  while  he  was  ready  on  every  suitable 
occasion  to  defend  and  urge  them,  he  was  not  inclined 
to  indulge  in  mere  metaphysical  distinctions,  or  to  pro- 
nounce harshly  on  those  who  might  in  some  slight  par- 
ticulars, differ  from  him.  He  believed  that  what  the 
apostle  called  "vain  jangling,"  was  too  prevalent  among 
the  disciples  of  Christ,  and  deeply  deplored  it. 

It  was  his  wish  to  see  the  truth  maintained,  not  for 
the  purpose  of  promoting  a  denominational  theory,  but 
because  it  had  been  taught  by  the  great  Teacher,  and 
when  it  was  brought  distinctly  to  view,  he  desired  to 
see  it  in  connection  with  the  great  design  of  its  author, 
the  sauctification  and  salvation  of  men.  "It  has  seemed 
to  me, ' '  he  observed  to  a  friend,  to  whom  he  wrote,  '  *  that 
some  brethren  have  dwelt  so  much  upon  the  exhortations 
of  the  Bible,  the  invitations  of  the  Saviour,  and  the 
obligations  of  sinners,  that  they  have  much  omitted,  not 
to  say  almost  forgotten,  that  Jesus  Christ  said,  'no  man 
can  come  to  me  except  the  Father  draw  him' ;  and  that 
when  they  asked,  'who  then  can  he  saved  f  he  distinctly 
replied:  'with  men  it  is  impossible,'  &c. 

"On  the  other  hand,  some  would  seem  to  have  dwelt 
so  almost  exclusively,  or  at  least  so  constantly  and  ear- 
nestly on  the  plan,  and  purposes,  and  power  of  the 


MEMOIR  OF  KEV.  LUTHER  RICE  297 

Lord  Jesus,  and  the  necessity  of  the  agency  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  work  salvation  in  the  soul ;  as  to  have  seem- 
ingly forgot,  or  much  to  have  omitted  the  consideration, 
that  'God  now  commands  all  men  every  where  to  repent.' 
The  Apostle  Paul  urged,  '  repe^itance  toward  God,  and 
faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ' ;  that  Christ  him- 
self distinctly  said:  'repent  ye  and  believe  the  gospel,' 
and  that  the  very  commission  left  with  the  apostles, 
was  to  that  effect:  'that  repentance,'  as  well  as  'remis- 
sion of  sins  should  he  preached  in  his  name  among  all 
nations. ' 

"And  so  on  the  one  side,  they  call  the  others  Armin- 
ians,  and  these  again  pronounce  those  to  be  Antino- 
mians.  I  think  it  would  be  much  better  if  both  these 
words  were  disused,  and  that  brethren  holding  the  same 
vital  truths,  instead  of  getting  as  far  apart  as  they  can, 
on  account  of  some  points  not  absolutely  vital,  should 
come  as  near  together  as  possible ;  and  as  the  Holy  Ghost 
commands,  should  'love  as  brethren,'  and  also  be  'cour- 
teous.' 'Behold  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is  for 
brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity.'  " 

Speaking  of  the  obligations  of  ministers  to  be  faithful 
in  teaching  the  whole  truth,  in  reply  to  one  who  seemed 
afraid  to  hear  the  decrees  of  God  adverted  to  in  the  pul- 
pit, he  says:  "Does  the  brother  mean  to  imply  that 
'purposes  and  decrees'  are  not  found  in  the  Bible,  and 
do  not,  therefore,  constitute  any  part  of  'the  gospel' f 
If  found  here,  why  should  they  not  be  preached?  Ought 
not  every  preacher  of  the  gospel  be  able  to  say  with 
Paul:  'For  I  have  not  shunned  to  declare  unto  you 
ALL  the  counsel  of  God,'  and  if  so,  must  he  not, 
'PREACH  PURPOSES'?  or,  would  our  brother  object 
to  the  preaching  of  'such  purposes'  as  the  following: 


298  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

'That  the  Gentiles  should  be  fellow  heirs,  and  of  the 
same  body,  and  partakers  of  his  promise  in  Christ  by 
the  gospel,  according  to  the  eternal  PURPOSE,  which 
he  PURPOSED  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.'  'Having 
made  known  unto  us  the  mystery  of  his  will,  according 
to  his  good  pleasure,  which  he  had  PURPOSED  in  him- 
self. 'In  whom  we  have  obtained  an  inheritance,  being 
predestinated  according  to  the  PURPOSE  of  Him  who 
worketh  all  things  after  the  counsel  of  his  own  will.' 

"  'By  decrees/  does  he  mean  any  thing  different  from 
predestination?  If  not,  could  he  be  displeased  with  the 
preaching  of  such  as:  'Having  PREDESTINATED  us 
unto  the  adoption  of  children  of  Jesus  Christ  to  him- 
self, according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will.'  'For 
whom  he  did  foreknow,  he  also  did  PREDESTINATE 
to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his  Son.'  'For  we  are 
his  workmanship,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good 
works,  which  God  hath  before  ordained;'  (is  not  here 
a  blessed  decree,  and  one  that  should  be  preached?) 
'that  we  should  walk  in  them?' 

' '  Similar  passages  are  numerous,  and  surely  the  *  good 
minister  of  Jesus  Christ'  cannot  excuse  himself,  or  be 
approved  in  it  by  his  master,  if  he  shuns  to  declare 
this  part  of  the  counsel  of  God,  while  he  certainly  ought 
to  press  the  obligation  of  'all  men  every  where  to  re- 
pent, '  and  to  '  believe  the  gospel ' ;  in  short,  to  urge  '  re- 
pentance towards  God,  and  faith  towards  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,'  as  the  immediate  duty  of  all,  and  earnest- 
ly to  '  assert  the  claims  of  Messiah  upon  every  mortal. '  ' ' 

For  some  time  after  he  became  a  Baptist,  Mr.  Rice 
was  inclined  to  believe  in  the  propriety  of  general,  or 
open  communion.  Subsequently,  his  sentiments  on  this 
subject,  underwent  a  change.     Upon  investigation,  he 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  299 

saw  the  inexpediency  and  inconsistency  of  the  practice, 
and  therefore,  could  not  sanction  it. 

He  thus  expresses  his  sentiments  on  the  importance 
of  well-written  biographies,  and,  in  doing  so,  indicates 
how  dear  to  his  heart  was  the  memory  of  his  former 
friend  and  associate,  Doctor  Staiighton. 

"Having  mentioned  the  Columbian  College,  let  me 
add,  that  I  have  lately  read  with  high  satisfaction  the 
memoir  of  its  former  president,  the  truly  distinguished 
elder  William  Staughton,  by  elder  S.  W.  Lynd.  This 
is  a  rich  treasure;  and  the  editor,  I  conceive,  has  con- 
ferred a  signal  favour  on  the  churches,  particularly  on 
young  ministers,  by  producing  it.  Blemishes  there  are, 
no  doubt,  in  the  work ;  but  I  trust  the  good  sense  of  the 
writer,  prompted,  perhaps,  by  the  suggestions  of  others, 
Avill  wipe  them  away,  should  another  edition,  which  will 
doubtless  be  the  case,  be  called  for.  It  is  thought  there 
is  too  much  endeavour,  on  the  part  of  Elder  Lynd,  to 
eulogize  his  deceased  relative.  This,  however,  is  but 
natural,  and  perhaps  would  hardly  be  so  much  thought 
of,  were  it  not  for  his  relation  to  the  family. 

* '  After  all,  the  highest  eulogy  of  the  excellent  Staugh- 
ton is  found  in  his  laborious  and  useful  life,  and  in 
the  specimens  furnished  in  the  memoir,  and  elsewhere; 
such  as,  his  missionary  sermon  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Triennial  Convention  of  the  Baptist  denomination  in  the 
United  States,  at  Washington  City,  in  1823 ;  his  wel- 
come to  La  Fayette  at  the  Columbian  College;  his 
eulogium  on  Doctor  Rush ;  his  sermon  on  the  death  of  the 
ex-president,  at  the  Capitol,  by  public  request;  his  ser- 
mon at  the  opening  of  a  meeting-house  near  Trenton, 
N.  J. ;  his  address  to  a  class  of  young  ministers,  on  their 
completing  their  course  and  closing  their  connection  with 


300  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

the  institution  under  his  care;  his  various  letters,  and 
other  productions,  too  numerous  to  be  mentioned  here ; — 
these  afford  gems  and  pearls  of  great  value. 

"I  am  sorry  to  find  the  term  'orator'  so  often  applied 
to  him,  or  applied  to  him  at  all ;  not  because  he  did  not 
possess,  in  an  eminent  degree,  the  attributes  denoted  by 
that  term,  but  because  it  falls  so  far  short  of  appropri- 
ately expressing  what  he  did  possess;  and  because  it 
fails  so  essentially  in  that  sacredness  of  import,  which 
ought  ever  to  be  uppermost  in  the  mind,  when  viewing 
this  eminent  man  of  God  in  the  attitude  of  pouring  forth 
those  heavenly,  heart-moving,  powerful  effusions  and 
fervors  which  so  often  burst  out  from  his  full  soul! 

"Recently,  too,  I  have  had  most  particular  satisfac- 
tion in  reading  the  very  highly  interesting  memoir  of 
the  so  dearly  beloved  and  lamented  brother  Boardman, 
by  elder  Alonzo  King;  he  died  literally  at  his  post,  in 
the  midst  of  his  converted  Karens.  The  contemplation 
of  his  devotion,  his  trials,  his  labours,  and  his  success, 
fills  my  bosom  with  indescribable  emotions — with  aston- 
ishment and  delight ! 

* '  In  the  memoir  of  the  venerable  Roger  Williams,  from 
the  well  known  ability  and  industry  of  the  writer, 
Professor  Knowles,  of  the  Newton  Theological  Institu- 
tion, I  promise  myself  very  rich  and  abundant  satisfac- 
tion. 

''The  memoirs  of  pious,  pains-taking,  useful  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel,  I  cannot  but  regard  as  among  the 
most  beneficial  works  for  the  perusal  of  ministers,  es- 
pecially in  the  early  part  of  their  ministry;  and  elder 
Babcock,  now  president  of  Waterville  College,  is  well 
entitled,  I  conceive,  to  the  gratitude  of  the  American 
churches,  for  his  edition  of  the  Memoirs  of  Fuller.     I 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  301 

have  long  wanted  to  see  a  memoir  of  the  greatly  dis- 
tinguished elder  Richard  Furman,  late  of  Charleston, 
South  Carolina;  and  regret  that  there  has  not  appeared 
a  memoir  of  the  no  less  distinguished  elder  Thomas 
Baldwin,  late  of  Boston,  Massachusetts." 

The  following  lines  were  written  by  Charles  W.  Deni- 
son,  and  were  suggested  by  the  dying  words  of  Mr. 
Rice: 

Aye,  take  them  to  the  College!  let  them  be 

My  dying  testament.    I  shall  be  dead 

To-night.    And  now  my  heart  untwines  its  ties 

On  earth,  and  gives  its  treasures  back  again 

To  heaven — the  heart  of  all  the  universe. 

Come  near  my  friends,  ye  need  not  fear  to  breathe 

Beside  me  now.     0  would  my  mounting  soul 

Had  ever  soared  in  atmosphere  like  this! 

'Tis  heaven's  own  air  that  floats  around  me  here. 

And  ye  should  joy  to  drink  it  freely  in ! 

Come  nearer.     I  have  much  to  say — and  I 

Am  passing  like  a  shadow  on  the  face 

Of  time.     My  destiny  has  been  to  point 

To  the  meridian  of  the  church — and  now 

My  spirit  points  to  that  of  endless  day. 

0  how  it  soars !  and  longs  to  bathe  its  wings 

In  the  full  sunshine  of  the  face  of  God! 

But,  ere  I  mount,  grant  me  this  one  request ; 

Take  all,  and  give  the  College.     Let  the  wealth 

Which  some  might  bring  to  gild  my  coffin  with. 

Be  consecrated  where  was  my  poor  life. 

Nothing  for  me — but  everything  for  God ! 

And  let  me  die,  as  I  have  lived,  all  armed 


302  MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE 

For  battle,  on  the  tented  field.    Let  the  sounds 

Of  rushing  hosts — of  flashing  banner  free 

Along  the  breeze — and  clash  of  sword  with  sword 

In  spiritual  affray — and  cheers  and  shouts 

Of  '  *  Victory !    Victory ! ' '  greet  me  as  I  die 

0 !  'tis  glorious  thus  to  fall  asleep. 


Hark!  did  you  speak  of  India?  or  did  I? 

Or  was  I  dreaming  of  it?    Yet  methought, 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Newell — was  it  thine, 

My  Judson  ?    Thou  panoplied  of  God ! 

Ah  Boardman!  is  it  thou  that  speaks?    I  hear! 

I  hear!     And  Wheelock!  art  thou  there? 

These  river  damps  have  loaded  me  with  chills. 

So  I  but  illy  hear  thee!    Bring  ye  news? 

Have  dying  pagans  turned  to  Christ  today? 

Oh !  I  have  walked  a  weary  round !  and  yet 

It  was  not  wearying — for  I  had  rod 

And  staff  in  all  the  promises — and  there 

Were  some  in  whom  the  word  did  strike  its  roots. 

Shout !  for  the  harvest  reapers  and  our  arms 

Shall  bring  their  loads  of  sheaves  and  cast  them  in 

The  granary  of  God.    But  Judson !  see ! 

Thy  wife  is  falling  there!  she  falls!  what  she, 

The  good — the  brave — the  fair!  and  Boardman,  too! 

Yonder,  within  the  jungle  where  he  toiled, 

They  dug  his  grave.    How  heavy  is  the  air 

I  breathe  from  this  low  place  of  death!     I  faint! 

I  sink! 

Ah !  no !  it  was  a  dream !    Methought 

I  was  in  India — ^but  I  see  ye,  friends 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  LUTHER  RICE  303 

Are  all  beside  me !    Heard  ye  my  request ! 

Aye  take  them  to  the  College!    Let  me  die 

With  their  departed  spirits  hovering 

Around  me,  and  their  benisons  shall  drop 

Like  dew  upon  my  soul!     Hail!     Staughton,  hail! 

1  see  thee  now — I  hear  thy  welcome  song ! 

I  come !    I  come !    and  as  I  mount  to  fly, 

I  catch  a  glimpse  of  those  I  seek,  beyond! 

Karens !  my  Burmans !  ye  are  with  them  there. 

Your  hands  good  friends — 'tis  sweet  to  part  as  now 

For  that  which  wings  me  on,  wings  you.     Aye,  take 

All  to  the  College !    I  am  heaven's  and  God's. 


Date  Due 

RW^ 

l— ^ 

J^^l^i-^-"^''****^'^'^^ 

Buirfii  iT  n  '"tip 

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